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Republic of Bulgaria

Advisory Services on a National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action

Plan

Sector Assessment for Agriculture

FINAL DRAFT – December 4, 2017

Climate Change Adaptation – Sector Assessment for Agriculture

(Project number P160511)

Country Manager:

Sector Manager:

(Co-)Task Team Leaders:

Project Coordinator:

Antony Thompson

Ruxandra Maria Floroiu

Philippe Ambrosi, Eolina Petrova Milova

Robert Bakx

This report was produced by a core team led by Hans Kordik (Senior Agriculture Economist) and comprising of Svetlana Aleksandrova (Consultant) and Alexandru Cosmin Buteica (Consultant). The team worked under the overall guidance of Philippe Ambrosi (Senior Environmental Economist, Task Team Leader), Eolina Petrova Milova (Senior Operations Officer, Co-Task Team Leader), Robert Bakx (Climate Change Adaptation Expert and Resident Project Coordinator), supported by Yeni Katsarska (Institutional Expert). The peer review of the report by Svetlana Edmeades and Stephen Ling was managed by Ruxandra Maria Floroiu (all from the World Bank).

DISCLAIMERSThis report was produced by the World Bank team to provide advisory support to the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) in Bulgaria. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or of the Government of Bulgaria or its MoEW.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe team would also like to thank the Government of Bulgaria, in particular Ms. Atanaska Nikolova (Deputy Minister of Environment), Ms. Boriana Kamenova (Director of the MoEW’s Climate Change Policy Directorate) and Ms. Veronika Dacheva (Expert in the MoEW’s Climate Change Policy Directorate), and other experts in government institutions; as well as the participants of the Inception Workshop, the Stakeholders Consultation Meeting and the Sector Consultation Session, for their excellent cooperation and support in spoken and written form; and express appreciation for the comments and suggestions as well as the open exchange of ideas. The contribution of Antony Thompson (Country Manager) in the preparation and negotiation of the Advisory Program is also acknowledged here.

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Abbreviations and AcronymsAFPP BG Fish Association of Fish Products Producers BG Fish

AKIS Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems

APSB Association of Agricultural Producers in Bulgaria

BAFS Bulgarian Agency for Food Security

BAS Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

CAP Common Agricultural Policy

CBA Cost-Benefit Analysis

CEA Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

CCA Climate Change Adaptation

CCC Committee on Climate Change, UK

CCMA Climate Change Mitigation Act

CFP Common Fisheries Policy, EU

COP 21 Conference of the Parties

CRI Global Climate Risk Index

DG CAA Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration

EAFRD European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

EEA European Environmental Agency

EFA Executive Forest Agency

EMEPA Enterprise for Management of Environment Protection Activities

EMFF European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

ESIF European Structural and Investment Funds

EU ETS EU Emissions Trading System

ExAAA Executive Agency Automobile Administration

ExAEMDR Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River

ExAMA Executive Agency Maritime Administration

ExARA Executive Agency Railway Administration

ExEA Executive Environment Agency

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GHG Greenhouse Gas

GVA Gross Value Added

INDCs Intended Nationally Determined Contributions

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

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LU Livestock Unit

MAFF Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

MC Ministry of Culture

MCA Multi-Criteria Analysis

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MEc Ministry of Economy

MEn Ministry of Energy

MES Ministry of Education and Science

MEx Ministry of Exterior

MF Ministry of Finance

MH Ministry of Health

MI Ministry of Interior, Bulgaria

MLSP Ministry of Labor and Social Policy

MoEW Ministry of Environment and Water, Bulgaria

MRDPW Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Bulgaria

MRV Monitoring, Reporting and Verification

MTITC Ministry of Transport, Information Technologies and Communication

NAAS National Agricultural Advisory Service, Bulgaria

NAFA National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Bulgaria

NAMRB National Association of Municipalities in Republic of Bulgaria

NAPCC National Action Plan on Climate Change

NAS National Adaptation Strategy of the Netherlands

NCECC National Council of Experts on Climate Change, Bulgaria

NGO Non-Government Organizations

NGPA National Grain Producer Association, Bulgaria

NIMH National Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, Bulgaria

NRA National Association of Fish Producers

NRDP National Rural Development Program

NRL National Reference Laboratory for diseases on fishes, marine mollusks and crustaceans

NRN National Rural Network, Bulgaria

NSI National Statistical Institute, Bulgaria

NTEF National Trust Ecofund, Bulgaria

NVZ Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

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OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

RCP Representative Concentration Pathways

SANS State Agency of National Security

SFA State Fund Agriculture

SO Standard Output

UAA Utilized Agricultural Area

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

WBG World Bank Group

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Table of ContentsExecutive Summary................................................................................................................................1

Introduction............................................................................................................................................5

Glossary..................................................................................................................................................8

Chapter 1. Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis...................................................................9

1.1. Sector Characteristics and Trends...........................................................................................9

1.1.1. The Broad Rural Development Context..........................................................................9

1.1.2. Significance of Agriculture in the Rural Economy.........................................................10

1.2. Past and Present Weather Events and their Consequences and Response Actions in the Agriculture Sector in Bulgaria...........................................................................................................15

1.2.1. Changes in the Baseline Climate...................................................................................15

1.2.2. Temperature.................................................................................................................15

1.2.3. Precipitation..................................................................................................................17

1.2.4. Increased Incidence of Extreme Weather Events..........................................................18

1.3. Sector Related Climate Change Risks and Vulnerabilities.....................................................19

1.3.1. Climate Scenarios..........................................................................................................19

1.3.2. Socio-Economic Factors................................................................................................22

1.3.3. Climate Change Impact on Agricultural Productivity....................................................24

1.3.4. Climate Change Impact on Livestock.............................................................................26

1.3.5. Increased Risk of Pests, Diseases and Weeds...............................................................27

1.3.6. Impact on Natural Resources........................................................................................27

Chapter 2. Baseline – Policy Context....................................................................................................31

2.1. State of Awareness, Understanding of Future Consequences of Climate Change, Knowledge Gaps in the Sector............................................................................................................................31

2.2. Experience with CCA in the Agriculture Sector in Other EU countries..................................32

2.3. EU CCA Legal Framework and Policies in the Agriculture and Fisheries sector.....................34

2.4. Bulgarian CCA Legal Framework and Policies in the Agriculture Sector................................38

2.5. Institutional Framework and Stakeholder Community in Bulgaria.......................................44

2.6. Financial and Human Resources in Bulgaria..........................................................................46

2.6.1. EU Financial Resources.................................................................................................47

2.6.2. State Budget Financial Resources.................................................................................48

2.6.3. Human Resources.........................................................................................................49

2.7. Sector Participation in Climate Change Adaptation Specific International Cooperation or Information Exchange......................................................................................................................49

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2.8. Bulgarian Sector Specific Ongoing and Foreseen Climate Change Adaptation (related) Actions.............................................................................................................................................50

2.9. Gaps and Barriers Hindering Adequate Response in Climate Change Adaptation Action; Interface with Climate Change Mitigation........................................................................................51

3. Adaptation Options......................................................................................................................53

3.1. Introduction..........................................................................................................................53

3.2. Identified Adaptation Options..............................................................................................53

3.3. Experience with Selecting Adaptation Options in the Sector in Other EU countries.................57

3.4. Adaptation Options Assessed....................................................................................................60

3.4.1. Time..............................................................................................................................60

3.4.2. Budget...........................................................................................................................60

3.4.3. Institutional Arrangements...........................................................................................60

3.4.4. Benefits.........................................................................................................................61

3.4.5. Efforts...........................................................................................................................61

3.4.6. Consequences of No Action..........................................................................................61

3.4.7. Indicators for Measurement.........................................................................................62

3.5. Cross-Cutting Issues, Trade-Offs and Synergies of Adaptation Options.....................................62

3.6. Priority Setting Approach..........................................................................................................64

Annex 1. Climate Change Potentially Impacting the Agriculture Sector in Bulgaria.............................68

Annex 2. Forecasted changes in wheat, corn and sunflower yields......................................................69

Annex 3. Other Relevant Best-Practices in the EU................................................................................71

Annex 4. Other Relevant EU CCA Legal Framework and Policies in the Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors 77

Annex 5. Other Relevant National CCA Legal Framework and Policies in the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector....................................................................................................................................81

Annex 6. Other Relevant National Agencies and Research Institutes..............................................87

Annex 7. RDP Choice of Measures by Priority and Focus Areas.......................................................89

Annex 8. Indicative General Indicators............................................................................................90

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FiguresFigure 1. Simplified Illustration of Impacts of Climate Change and Examples of Identified Adaptation Options...................................................................................................................................................4

Figure 2. Average Year Temperature for the Period 1961–1990 (A); Pessimistic Climate Scenario for Average Year Temperature for 2080 (B).................................................................................................5

Figure 3. Precipitation per Year for the Period 1961–1990 (A); Precipitation per Year for 2080, According to the Pessimistic Scenario (B)...............................................................................................6

Figure 4. General concept of WGII AR5 (IPCC, 2014)..............................................................................7

Figure 5. Components of Agricultural Output (2013-15 average).........................................................11

Figure 6. Change of Farms and Land Area Utilized by Agriculture since EU Accession.........................12

Figure 7. Number of Holdings and Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA).....................................................12

Figure 8. Agricultural Orientation by Farm Size Category (2013)..........................................................14

Figure 9. Graphical Representation of the Characteristics of Main Types of Farms.............................14

Figure 10. Anomalies of Annual Temperature in Bulgaria 1901-2010 (relative to 1961-1990).............16

Figure 11. Average Annual Temperature fluctuations (˚C) during the period 1988-2014.....................16

Figure 12. Deviation of the Average Annual Temperature (in C) in 2014 (Against the 1961-90 Climate Norms)..................................................................................................................................................16

Figure 13. Fluctuations in Average Annual Amount of Rainfall (mm) during the period 1988-2014....17

Figure 14. Deviations of the Annual Rainfall (in % in 2014 to the 1961-1990 Climate Norms).............18

Figure 15. Anomalies of Historic Mean Annual Precipitation Data in Bulgaria.....................................19

Figure 16. Projected Increase in Multi-Hazard Exposure......................................................................21

Figure 17. Cereal Yields (Annual Average Tons per Hectare)................................................................24

Figure 18. Vegetable Yields (Annual Average Tons per Hectare)..........................................................25

Figure 19. Fruit Yields (Annual Average Tons per Hectare)...................................................................25

Figure 20. Spatial Distribution of Soil Formations in Bulgaria...............................................................28

Figure 21. Direct Payments - Overview of Allocations by Scheme (2015).............................................36

Figure 22. Priorities for the New EU Rural Development Policy Framework........................................37

Figure 23. The Structure of the Main Actors Implementing Bulgarian Climate Change Policies...........44

Figure 24. RDP Focus Areas for Priority 4: Planned Expenditure, Measures and 2023 Targets............47

Figure 25. Planned Expenditure per Measure in the RDP 2014-2020 (million EUR).............................48

Figure 26. Current and Anticipated Uptake of Adaptation and Effectiveness for the Agriculture Sector in the UK...............................................................................................................................................58

Figure 27. Framework Promoted by the IPCC, Showing the Iterative Nature of Risk Management.....59

Figure 28. Changes in Winter Wheat Yield for 2011-2020 and 2041-2050...........................................69

Figure 29. Deviations in Corn Yields for the Periods 2011-2020 and 2041-2050..................................70

Figure 30. Deviations in Sunflower Yields for the Periods 2011-2020 and 2041-2050.........................70

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TablesTable 1. Age Structure of Population per Urban and Rural Areas in 2013............................................10

Table 2. Breakdown of Agricultural Holdings by Standard Output (EUR) Classification........................13

Table 3. Change of Farm structure in Bulgaria between 2007 and 2013..............................................23

Table 4. NRDP Measures with the Greatest Potential for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation.............40

Table 5. Identified Adaptation Options.................................................................................................54

BoxesBox 1. Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA) in Bulgaria...............................................................................10

Box 2. Italy - Embracing Digital Technology to Develop and Implement Adaptation Measures...........32

Box 3. Poland - Free and Open Climate Adaptation Seminars, Trainings and Advice...........................33

Box 4. Greece: Compulsory Insurance for Farmers...............................................................................34

Box 5. Learning from International Best Practice: Sequence of Research and Publications in the UK Leading to the National Adaptation Program, Highlighting the Importance of a Robust Risk Assessment as a Starting Point.............................................................................................................57

Box 6. Criteria for Reviewing Indicators................................................................................................62

Box 7. Economic Assessment Methods................................................................................................66

Box 8. Sweden......................................................................................................................................71

Box 9. United Kingdom.........................................................................................................................72

Box 10. Austria......................................................................................................................................74

Box 11. The Netherlands......................................................................................................................75

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Executive Summary1. This sector assessment report aims to inform on the key vulnerabilities of Bulgarian agriculture related to climate change and proposes a series of adaptation options to prevent or minimize the effects they can cause. Besides agriculture, separate assessment reports have been prepared on the forestry, biodiversity and ecosystems, water management, energy, transport, urban environment, human health, and tourism sectors. The findings and recommendations of the macro-economic analysis and the nine sector assessment reports will be consolidated to formulate the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan.

Climate change will be the greatest driver of Bulgarian agriculture

2. Agriculture plays a key yet disproportionate role in the socio-economic fabric of rural Bulgaria. The agricultural sector generates 4.4% of the country’s total Gross Value Added (GVA) and provides employment to 5.8% of the labor force (second highest rate in the EU-28). More generally, the country remains predominantly rural, and while the rural space is richly endowed with natural resources, it is marked by lower incomes, limited job opportunities, an ageing farm population, higher rates of poverty (the majority of the rural population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion), and an ensuing urban-rural divide in social and living standards.

3. Climate change will be a significant factor in future development of Bulgarian agriculture; first negative impacts are already reality. The frequency and intensity of climatic adverse events have increased during the last decades: three distinct periods of droughts have been experienced and more frequent floods caused by prolonged and intense rainfalls is being regularly encountered, yet difficult to predict. The outlook on Bulgaria’s temperate continental climate projects temperature increases from 2 to 5°C and significant changes in precipitation patterns by the end of this century. Climate change scenarios for Bulgaria indicate an increased frequency of climatic adverse events, such as longer droughts, heat waves, heavy rainfalls, and floods.

4. Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors of the Bulgarian economy. The agriculture sector is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as provider of adequate food, pillar for economic growth, delivering ecosystem services, and provider of a safe living environment for rural communities. Bulgarian agriculture is inextricably tied to climate, as three-quarters of agricultural output derives from crops. Agricultural land occupies one third of Bulgaria’s total area, from which 86 percent of the utilized agricultural area is used mainly to grow cereals and industrial crops. The impact of extreme weather events and anomalies on agricultural productivity and the overall economy was best witnessed with the drought year 2007: the share of agriculture to the GDP dropping to 4.7% compared to 2006 (6.2%) and 2008 (6.0%). The crops that experience the most severe impacts are typically rain-fed crops grown in the traditional summer season, such as maize, sunflower, fruits and vegetables.

5. However, the impact of climate change is not equally distributed in the Bulgarian agriculture sector. Overall, the livelihoods of rural population will be affected by the

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changing climatic conditions. The impacts of climate change may be positive or negative, but those currently encountered are predominantly negative. More important, the risk of impact of climate change is not equally distributed. There are regional differences in the likelihood of negative impacts from droughts and floods, as well as differences in the vulnerability, resilience and adaptive capacity of rural dwellers to climate change. These differences are further accentuated by the pronounced dual farm structures and lopsided land distribution that clearly characterize the agriculture sector in Bulgaria. Furthermore, the bipolar farm structures are associated with substantial differences in resilience and adaptive capacity:

i) Large-scale commercial farms have mostly very specialized production systems and are thus economically highly vulnerable to the impact of frequent and long periods of drought and floods upon crop yields and farm profits. At the same time, large-scale farmers have better resources to adapt: they have access to financing and economies of scale allow for the installation of irrigation systems and climate-resilient farming practices and technologies.

ii) Smallholders practicing (semi-)subsistence farming are socially and economically vulnerable to adverse climate events, as they are self-sufficient or supplying local communities, while living in geographical and social isolation. However, due to their more diversified production, stronger social relations and off-farm income diversification, smallholders tend to display more intrinsic resilience.

The policy and institutional environment exhibits gaps on climate change adaptation

6. Public awareness of climate change adaptation in the Bulgarian agriculture sector is limited. Policy-makers have exclusively focused on identifying measures for climate change mitigation in agriculture. Besides missing an overall vision-strategy for the Bulgarian agriculture sector, there is no specific legislation that deal with climate change adaptation. Missing systematic studies on the impact of climate change in the Bulgarian agriculture and fisheries sector explain that, overall, the farming community lacks sufficient information on climate change adaptation requirements.

7. The vulnerability to climate change is worsened by insufficient agricultural extension services and inadequate information flows from results of research, policy and market developments to the farming community. While individual sectors of agriculture are represented at national level by associations and despite a relatively large network of research institutes, the missing agriculture extension services lead to knowledge gaps among the farming community about the vulnerabilities and options to improve resilience to climate change.

8. Bulgaria is missing a risk management framework for agriculture. The insurance sector lags the EU-28 average, with the participation rate of 2.1% per capita income compared to 7.6% in case of most European countries. Bulgarian agriculture insurance is limited to hail, while losses from drought and floods are not covered. Given the lack of access to credit, smallholders try to diversify their production to reduce revenue variability, rather than purchase insurance.

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9. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) could benefit from better leveraging the financial inflows under the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Accession to the EU opened tremendous financial opportunities for the Bulgarian agriculture sector. With the CAP reform 2013, a minimum of 30% of the financial allocations need to be earmarked for mainstreaming climate mitigation and adaptation actions. However, Bulgaria’s policy programming has not yet adequately addressed the risks and vulnerabilities to climate change. For example, financial allocations for knowledge transfer, training and advisory services are limited. Policy-makers have also abandoned the use of rural development funds to invest in modernizing and rehabilitating ‘off-farm’ irrigation systems. More importantly, as the national threshold for receipt of direct payments have been set at 1 ha, nearly 55% of Bulgarian farmers fall out of the scope of EU support.

Opportunities for mainstreaming climate change adaptation actions

10. Adaptation actions need to be undertaken at both national and farm level. The MAFF will need to take the lead to develop climate action within the agriculture sector, while coordinating with all relevant ministries, governmental organizations and stakeholders. Alignment with EU and international policies and commitments is of paramount importance. There is a comprehensive suite of adaptation measures, divided in horizontal and vertical options. Horizontal options cover the whole farming sector, while vertical options address subsectors of agriculture. While the table below provides an overview, the report shows how these options are prioritized based on stakeholder consultations and a cost-benefit-analysis.

Horizontal Adaptation Options

Building adaptive capacity

Trainings, knowledge dissemination, financial programs, coordination among institutions, development and improvement of monitoring and evaluation, knowledge enhancement in relation to vulnerabilities of inland water species.

Improving awarenessClimate change adaptation database, climate change education, platform for aquaculture, development of observation systems for fishery.

Strengthening research, technology development and innovation

Develop research on new crop varieties, conduct research development, increase the use of renewable energy generation, water management innovations.

Risk management and legal framework

Develop insurance and risk management programs, improve the legal framework in agriculture and inland fisheries and aquaculture.

Vertical Adaptation Options

Adaptation options for crop productivity

Adjust the timing of farm operations, grow thermophilic crops, develop suitable irrigation systems, improve management of existing woodland, improve pest and disease control.

Adaptation options for livestock

Develop systems and mechanisms for storing water on farms, adapt farms and facilities, improve ventilation and cooling systems, diversify livestock farming, save existing pastures for grazing.

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Adaptation options for natural resources (soil erosion, desertification; water shortage and irrigation; fisheries and aquaculture)

Increase the use of perennial crops, protect soil surface; soil structure maintenance and restoration, increase the soils’ organic matter reserves, use soil cultivation machines and technologies, improve water management practices, eliminate secondary salinization conditions, improve soil management, maintain and improve existing aquaculture habitats.

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Figure 1. Simplified Illustration of Impacts of Climate Change and Examples of Identified Adaptation Options

Source: World Bank own design (2017)

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Introduction11. Bulgaria is situated in one of the regions that are particularly vulnerable to climate change (mainly through temperature increase and extreme precipitation) and to the increased frequency of climate change related extreme events, such as droughts and floods. The risks inflicted by climate change related events may lead to loss of human life or cause considerable damage, affecting economic growth and prosperity, both nationally and trans-boundary.

12. Consensus exists in the scientific community that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events. Over the past decades, in Bulgaria this frequency has increased significantly. The most common hydro-meteorological and natural hazards are extreme precipitation and temperatures, storms, floods, wildfires, landslides, and droughts. The number of deaths and victims due to natural hazards is considerable, indicating weather and climate vulnerability. The vulnerability of Bulgaria’s population and businesses to the impacts of climate change is accelerated by a relatively high degree of poverty in the most impacted areas, the continuing concentration of the country’s population in several industrial and urban regions, and various consequences of the transition from a state-controlled economy to a free-market economy. A growing body of evidence suggests that economic losses from climate- and weather-related disasters have also been rising.

13. Scientific projections indicate that global temperature will rise between 1.8°C and 4°C by 2100, with a temperature increase in Europe expected to be even higher than the estimated global average.

14. Research conducted by the Department of Meteorology, National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, projects an increase in annual air temperature in Bulgaria of between 0.7°C and 1.8°C by 2020. Even warmer temperatures are expected by 2050 and 2080, with projected increases of between 1.6°C and 3.1°C and between 2.9°C and 4.1°C, respectively. Generally, the temperature increase is expected to be more significant during the summer season (from July to September).

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B

A

Figure 2. Average Year Temperature for the Period 1961–1990 (A); Pessimistic Climate Scenario for

Average Year Temperature for 2080 (B)



15. In terms of the expected changes in rainfall patterns, a reduction in precipitation is likely, leading to a significant reduction of the total water reserves in the country. In this regard, projections suggest a decrease in precipitation by approximately 10% by 2020, 15% by 2050, and up to 30–40% by 2080. In most climate change scenarios, rainfall during the winter months is likely to increase by the end of the century, but significant decrease in rainfall during the summer months is expected to offset this increase.

16. According to the available climate change scenarios for Bulgaria, there is a trend toward increased frequency of extreme events and disasters, as demonstrated in more often occurrences of heavy rainfalls, heat and cold waves, floods and droughts, hurricane winds, forest fires, and landslides.

17. Biodiversity, land and aquatic ecosystems, as well as water resources, agriculture, and forestry sectors are expected to be affected by anticipated changes. These changes would furthermore impact society and its citizens as well as the economy as a whole.

18. Climate change impacts do not affect all people and territories equally due to different levels of exposure, existing vulnerabilities, and adaptive capacities to cope. The risk is greater for the segments of the society and businesses that are less prepared and more vulnerable.

19. Bulgarian agriculture is very likely to face significant challenges due to climate change. Droughts and floods are expected to increase significantly and lead to increased negative impact to agriculture. With the farming sector contributing significantly to the Bulgarian economy and growing agricultural vulnerability to climatic adverse events, it is expected that the livelihoods of many Bulgarians will be increasingly affected. Thus, the Bulgarian agriculture sector is likely to play a critical role when it comes to the implementation of effective climate adaptation measures.

20. This report aims to inform on vulnerabilities to the Bulgarian agriculture sector and at identification of adequate climate change adaptation options. The report is part of a set of nine sectoral assessment reports considered under the climate adaptation support program for Bulgaria, which will form the baseline for the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. The report follows the general logic and structure as proposed for

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A

B

Figure 3. Precipitation per Year for the Period 1961–1990 (A); Precipitation per Year for 2080,

According to the Pessimistic Scenario (B)



all sectors and is divided into three parts: i) part one of the report (chapter 1) focuses on the climate change risks and vulnerabilities’ assessment; ii) part two comprises a gap analysis of the policy, legal and institutional context (Chapter 2); and iii) part three focuses on the identification and prioritization of adaptation options. This sector assessment was carried out during March – November 2017, as a combination of quantitative and above all, qualitative analysis. Several workshops have been organized as part of an ongoing consultation process, bringing in the wealth of expertise of various stakeholders.

21. The report uses the terms and definitions of risk, vulnerability and adaptation options as introduced by WGII AR5 (IPCC, 2014). Risk of climate-related impacts results from the interaction of climate-related hazards with the vulnerability and exposure. Changes in both the climate system (left side in Figure 4) and socio-economic processes including adaptation and mitigation (right sided figure) are drivers of hazards, exposure, and vulnerability. This understanding reveals the importance of the adaptation options. When they are properly identified and timely implemented, vulnerability, hazard and/or exposure will be reduced, thus the risk will be mitigated.

Figure 4. General concept of WGII AR5 (IPCC, 2014)

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Glossary1

Climate change refers to a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.

Global warming refers to the gradual increase, observed or projected, in global surface temperature, as one of the consequences of radiative forcing caused by anthropogenic emissions.

Adaptation is the process of adjustment to actual or expected adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimize the damage they can cause. In human systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In some natural systems, human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate and its effects.

Mitigation (of climate change) is a human intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Vulnerability to climate change is the degree to which any system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, the negative impacts that climate change imposes upon it. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity.

Resilience is the opposite of vulnerability and is defined as the ability of a social or ecological system to absorb disturbances while retaining the same basic structure and ways of functioning, the capacity for self-organization, and the capacity to adapt to stress and change.

Risk is the potential for consequences where something of value is at stake and where the outcome is uncertain, recognizing the diversity of values. Risk is often represented as probability or likelihood of occurrence of hazardous events or trends multiplied by the impacts if these events or trends occur.

1 Definitions are based on WGII AR5 (IPCC, 2014)

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Chapter 1. Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis1.1. Sector Characteristics and Trends

Bulgaria is well endowed with natural resources, benefiting of high quality, fertile soils for the production of a wide range of high-value crops, but is challenged by high levels of poverty and significant gaps in social and living standards between rural and urban areas. Agriculture is an important sector for Bulgaria, as the country benefits from a number of favorable geo-strategic, climatic and natural endowments, which have contributed to the development of old traditions in both plant-growing and livestock breeding. However, on-farm productivity is highly variable and commonly falls short of its potential, whilst the extreme polarity in farm structures and the vicious circle of low productivity and low income endured by many farmers continue to limit the sector’s overall performance.

1.1.1. The Broad Rural Development Context14. Rural areas play an important socio-economic role in Bulgaria. Rural areas2 cover 53.7% of the total territory and 37.1% of the total population live in predominantly rural regions3. Population density in these predominantly rural areas is 39.3 inhabitants / km2, which is lower than the EU-28 average of 52.6 inhabitants / km2 and reflects the significant number (compared to other EU countries) of less densely populated, smaller settlements that exist in Bulgaria, rather than large-scale urban centers.

15. More than half of Bulgaria’s rural population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Low wages and limited job opportunities have created stable patterns of poverty in the rural areas. The constant level of the long-term unemployed, which is almost three times higher in the rural areas, is an alarming indicator. And while rural incomes in Bulgaria are low, the gap with urban areas is widening. GDP per rural capita in Bulgaria is approximately 45% of the average for the EU-28 and around 30% of that generated in Bulgaria’s urban areas. Over 51.4% of the rural population is estimated to be at risk of poverty or social exclusion – the highest incidence of rural poverty in the EU-28. This is a major concern and continues to be driven by a range of factors, including (i) the high share of rural pensioners retiring with low pensions, (ii) low labor productivity (Bulgaria is the lowest of EU-28) and low incomes that prevail in communities of subsistence farmers, and (iii) limited employment opportunities in other sectors (secondary and tertiary) outside of agriculture and forestry.

16. Bulgaria’s rural areas are challenged by the rapid decline and aging of population. The major reason for this population loss in rural areas lies primarily in the negative population growth and to the emigration of the rural population from their birthplaces. In particular, the youth and potentially active farmers progressively move away from rural settlements, while seeking employment in urban centers of Bulgaria or elsewhere. As a consequence of steady out-migration, the population structure in the rural areas shows an unfavorable age dependence ratio, as the share of people above 65 years of age is above 25% (Table 1). In 2013, 36.7% of the farmers in Bulgaria have retirement age (65) and those aged

2 In 2010, the European Commission (EC) agreed on a new typology of predominantly rural, intermediate and predominantly urban regions based on a variation of the previously used OECD methodology.3 European Commission Statistical Factsheet for Bulgaria published in April 2016 – main figures for year 2014.

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55 to 64 accounted for a quarter of all farmers; in comparison, almost 1 in 3 farmers in the EU were aged above 65. It is estimated that during the period of 2010-14 overall rural population declined by 10%, which is double of the national average of 5%. Furthermore, Bulgaria has become the third oldest country of Europe and its working age population is projected to decline by 40% in 2050.

Table 1. Age Structure of Population per Urban and Rural Areas in 2013

Total Population <14 years 15-64 years >65 years

Rural Areas 1,954,002 264,606 13.5% 1,178,268 60.3% 511,128 26.2%

Urban Areas 5,291,675 731,534 13.8% 3,653,598 69.0% 906,539 17.1%

Source: NSI, 2014.

1.1.2. Significance of Agriculture in the Rural Economy17. Agriculture plays a key yet disproportionate role in the socio-economic fabric of rural Bulgaria. A significantly higher proportion of national Gross Value Added4 (13.6 percent) and employment (33.9%) is generated in predominantly rural areas in Bulgaria by the primary sector compared to averages of 4.4% and 13.9% respectively in the EU-28. The fisheries and aquaculture sector is relatively small (less than 0.5% of the GDP 5), but nevertheless it provides high employment levels at regional level, especially in coastal areas where it has a significant contribution to local economies. Employment in agriculture and its share in total employment decreased over the period 2010-15 by 1.1% annually. In 2015, 5.8% of the total population was employed in agriculture compared to 4.2% in the EU-28.

Box 1. Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA) in Bulgaria

According to the 2013 Farm Structure Survey6, the total area of Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA) in Bulgaria is around 4.65 million ha, representing approximately 42% of the total territory. Between 2007 and 2013 the share of irrigated UAA significantly increased by 35.8%; however total irrigated land was only 3.4% of total UAA, less than the EU average of 5.8%. In 2013, of the total UAA: 70.5% (3.27 million ha) was arable land: cereal grains, particularly wheat and spelt, as

well as grain maize are the most important crops; field-grown vegetables and horticultural products are also important;

27.3% (1.27 million ha) was permanent grassland and meadow; 2.0% (95,000 ha) was permanent crops, notably orchards and vineyards; and 0.1% (5,200 ha) was kitchen gardens: these are defined as small plots of arable l and or

permanent crops growing products intended mainly for own consumption.

4 Gross Value Added (GVA) is a baseline context indicator for the structure of the economy that is calculated by Eurostat for all EU Member States - it is defined as the value of output (at basic prices) less the value of intermediate consumption (at purchasers’ prices).5 According to data of the Interim Assessment of Operational Program for development of Fisheries Sector in Bulgaria (2007-2013), Final Report6 Eurostat (2015). Agriculture, forestry and fishery statistics (2015 Edition). Eurostat, European Commission, Brussels. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-statistical-books/-/KS-FK-15-101

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18. Bulgaria’s agriculture output is dominated by crop production. More than two-thirds of Bulgaria’s agriculture land is utilized for arable crops (Box 1). Since 2007, livestock production in Bulgaria has shown a significant decrease in the total number of animals. In 2013, the total livestock density in the EU-28 equaled 0.7 livestock unit (LU) per hectare of UAA; the grazing livestock density reached 1.0 LU of grazing livestock per hectare. Across the EU-28, Bulgaria, Slovakia and the Baltic countries registered the lowest (equal or less than 0.3 LU/ha) livestock densities. These countries reported also the lowest grazing livestock densities with the values equal to or less than 0.57. These trends are reflected in both the breakdown of agricultural holdings by farm type (Table 2) and the components of average agricultural output in recent years (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Components of Agricultural Output (2013-15 average)

Source: EC, 2016

19. Despite significant agricultural potential, the average yields in Bulgarian farming are low, underlining a less than optimal use of production factors. Certain traditional agricultural sectors (such as fruit, vegetables, and livestock) are underperforming and experiencing structural difficulties. Average agricultural yields are much lower compared to Bulgaria’s neighbors within and outside the EU: for tomatoes, 28 t/ha compared to 60 t/ha in Turkey; for sunflower, 1.7 t/ha compared to 2 t/ha in Hungary or 4.3 t/ha in Greece; and for apples, 6.7 t/ha compared to 18.7 t/ha in Greece, 8.2 t/ha in Romania and 16.5 t/ha in Turkey. The key determinants for lower productivity in Bulgarian crops are inefficient usage of inputs, poor farming practices and challenges with natural conditions.

20. Bulgaria has witnessed a structural transformation and farmland concentration. The total number of farms in Bulgaria has shrunk to one third compared to the year 2000. This structural transformation happened much faster than in the other new member states. Among the main reasons for this structural change are the gradual farm consolidation, the modernization of technologies and the introduction of new machinery in cereal production

7 Eurostat Statistics. Agri-environmental indicator - livestock patterns http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Agri-environmental_indicator_-_livestock_patterns

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following EU accession Figure 6. There are currently 254,410 registered agricultural holdings in Bulgaria; the average size of agricultural holdings increased from 5.2 ha in 2005 to 18.3 ha in 2013, a bit higher than the EU-28 average of 16.1 ha.

Figure 6. Change of Farms and Land Area Utilized by Agriculture since EU Accession

Source: Data from Farm Structure Survey, 2013.

21. The Bulgarian agriculture sector is characterized by polarized farm structure. The share of small agricultural holdings is much higher than the EU-28 average. Small farms are important in terms of providing employment in rural areas. Smallholders are dominant in the less-favored mountainous areas, and in areas with intensive vegetable, fruit and tobacco growing. Smallholders are crucial to preserve the landscape and local culture. They provide most jobs and incomes in the sector and thus have a vital contribution to a balanced social and territorial development of the country. 72% of the total number of farms had a UAA of less than 2 ha, representing approximately 3% of the total UAA. In contrast, less than 2% of the total number of farms are large commercial farms (with more than 100 ha UAA) managing approximately 80% of the available UAA.

Figure 7. Number of Holdings and Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA)

0 ha >0 < 2 ha 2 < 5 ha 5 < 10 ha 10 < 20 ha 20 < 30 ha 30 < 50 ha 50 < 100 ha >=100 ha0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

4%

72%

11%

4% 3% 1% 1% 1% 2%0%3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 3% 5%

80%

No. of holdings 2013 UAA 2013

Source: Data from Farm Structure Survey, 2013

Subsistence farms are defined as smaller than 2,000 EUR standard output (SO) size and have a utilized agricultural area of up to 1 ha. Subsistence farms produce mainly

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for own consumption and distribution within the family. In 2013, the total number of subsistence farms was 140,228, representing around 55% of the total holdings by standard output size and generated 4% of the total standard output. Their total number significantly decreased by 32% during the period 2005-2013 (Table 2).

Semi-subsistence farms are defined as small farm holdings between 2,000 and 8,000 EUR SO volume, with a utilized agricultural area of up to 10 ha and with a potential for development in the long run. Semi-subsistence farms produce for own consumption and for market sales.

Semi-commercial farms have a SO of 8,000 – 50,000 EUR. These form a slowly emerging sub-sector of increasingly professional “family farms” selling between 50 to 100% of their products into formal markets. Small semi-commercial farms have a relatively diverse production structure.

Medium and large commercial farms have a SO of over 50,000 EUR and currently hold over 80% of the total UAA.

Table 2. Breakdown of Agricultural Holdings by Standard Output (EUR) Classification

Classification of farm type - YEAR 2013

Standard output (EUR) 8

Number of holdings

% of total holdings

Subsistence < 2,000 140,228 55.11

Semi-subsistence >=2000

< 800078,934 31.02

Small semi-commercial farms>=8000

< 50,00026,925 10.58

Medium and large commercial farms

>=50,000 8,058 3.16

TOTAL 254,410 100.0

Source: European Commission Statistical Factsheet for Bulgaria, April 2016

22. Production systems of smallholders are more diverse, those of commercial farms more specialized. Notably, since accession to the EU, and the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the trend towards specialization on few arable crops by commercial farmers increased. Favored by direct payments, the structural changes also promoted new production systems which are less labor-intensive. Land use by smallholders remained more diversified, and their production systems provide a mix of arable crops, horticulture and livestock (Figure 8).

8 The Standard Output (SO) of an agricultural product (crop or livestock) is the average monetary value of the agricultural output at farm-gate price, in Euro per hectare or per head of livestock.

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Figure 8. Agricultural Orientation by Farm Size Category (2013)

Source: Data from Eurostat – Farm Structural Survey, 2013

23. Smallholders across the whole territory of Bulgaria continue to provide a very important socio-economic buffer in times of economic uncertainty by providing a basic livelihood for a significant proportion of the rural population, as well as a supplementary source of a cheap, wholesome food for their networks of family members in the urban areas. Furthermore, these smallholders also play an important role in maintaining the vitality of rural communities and providing important social, cultural and environmental services (public goods) to the wider society. Figure 9 provides a stylized, graphical representation of the key characteristics of the main four types of smallholder in Bulgaria identified above.

Figure 9. Graphical Representation of the Characteristics of Main Types of Farms

Source: World Bank own design, 2017

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1.2. Past and Present Weather Events and their Consequences and Response Actions in the Agriculture Sector in Bulgaria

The frequency of extreme weather and climate phenomena has increased during the last decades in Bulgaria. The most negative impacts observed to-date are (i) the increasing incidence of water deficit and drought due to the combined effect of rising temperatures and reduced precipitation, and (ii) severe floods caused by prolonged and intense rainfall. Extreme weather also included hailstorm events and heat waves.

1.2.1. Changes in the Baseline Climate24. Climate change will be the greatest environmental factor impacting agriculture, and agriculture is the most vulnerable sector of the Bulgarian economy. Bulgaria is situated in one of the regions that are particularly vulnerable to climate change (mainly through temperature increase and extreme precipitation) and to the increased frequency of climate change related extreme events, such as droughts and floods. The risks inflicted by climate change related events may lead to loss of human life or cause considerable damage, affecting economic growth and prosperity, both nationally and trans-boundary.

25. Bulgaria has an overall temperate-continental climate with four seasons. Despite its relatively small total area (EU’s 16th largest country), Bulgaria has a complex climate profile, with five climatic zones: Moderate Continental, Intermediate, Continental-Mediterranean, Maritime, and Mountainous9. The country lies between the contrasting continental and Mediterranean climatic zones. Bulgarian mountains and valleys form channels or barriers for air masses and alter weather patterns over relatively short distances. The continental influence determines higher snowfalls during winter time (with a stable snow cover during the winter of about 20-200 cm), while the Mediterranean influence leads to dry and hot weather during summer. The Balkan Mountains act as barrier: northern Bulgaria benefits on average of about one-degree cooler temperatures and receives about 192 more millimeters of rain than the southern part of Bulgaria. The Black Sea’s influence over the weather is felt mostly along the coastline and features a milder winter as opposed to the harsher winter conditions in the central north plains. The air humidity is between 66 and 85% in the different regions of the country.

1.2.2. Temperature26. Bulgaria is experiencing a warming up trend since the late 1970s. 20 out of 23 years during the period 1989-2001 show positive anomalies in terms of average temperature compared to the baseline period 1961-90 (Figure 10), with a similar trend being observed for the period 2000-14. During 1988-2014, the average annual air temperature (for areas of up to 800-meter altitude) increased by 0.8˚C, compared to the reference norm for the climatic period 1961-1990, varying within the range of 10.6˚C up to 13.0˚C. Temperature anomalies for all years after 2007 (except for 2011) were over +1˚C10 (Figure 11). The average annual air temperature for 2014 (for areas of up to 800-meter altitude) was 12.3˚C, totaling 1.2˚C above the 1961-1990 climate norm (see Figure 12).

9 Bulgaria’s Sixth National Communication on Climate Change – UNFCCC, 201310 National Report on the Status and Protection of the Environment in Bulgaria 2016

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Figure 10. Anomalies of Annual Temperature in Bulgaria 1901-2010 (relative to 1961-1990)

Source: Bulgaria’s Sixth National Communication on Climate Change – UNFCCC, 2013

Figure 11. Average Annual Temperature fluctuations (˚C) during the period 1988-2014

Source: National Report on the Status and Protection of the Environment in Bulgaria, based on National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology data, 2016.

Figure 12. Deviation of the Average Annual Temperature (in C) in 2014 (Against the 1961-90 Climate Norms)

Source: National Report on the Status and Protection of the Environment in Bulgaria, based on National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology data, 2016.

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27. Bulgaria’s weather patterns over the last decade are characterized by high seasonal temperature amplitudes. Two heatwaves of over a week have been observed in 2007 and 2011 in South-western and Northern Bulgaria, with temperatures reaching absolute maximum values of 38°- 40°C. Weather conditions turned out even worse in July 2015, with absolute maximum daily values above 34–35°C in almost the entire EU and absolute maximum temperatures that were well above 40°C in many areas (with 46.2°C recorded in southern Bulgaria)11. Despite the general trend of higher temperatures in recent decades in Bulgaria, long cold periods have periodically occurred during the winter season. The winter months of 2012 (January and February) and of 2017 (January) recorded long periods with temperatures below -10°C. January 2017 was the coldest month for the last 53 years for Sofia and temperatures below -20°C were recorded in several regions across the country.

1.2.3. Precipitation28. Over the last two decades, average precipitation has increased. During 1988-2014, the average precipitation in Bulgaria ranged between 377 and 1013 millimeters per year. The average number of days with overnight volume of precipitation above 100 mm significantly increased, by about 30%, for the period 1991-2007, when compared to the baseline period of 1961-1990. Additionally, the number of cases of heavy rainfall registered in the meteorological network have increased. There were more frequent cases of cloudiness, thunderstorms and hailstorms (usually typical for spring and summer) during winter months like January and February. Finally, a higher frequency of the average number of days with thunderstorms and hailstorms in April and September over the period 1991-2006 compared to the baseline period, was observed.

29. The average annual rainfall for the period 1988-2014 is 166% of the baseline norm for the period 1961-1990. The average annual precipitation in 2014 (for areas of up to 800-meter altitude above sea level) was a record-high 1013 mm, surpassing the previous peak of 2005 annual average of 924 mm (Figure 13).

30. In 2014, most rain fell in north-western Bulgaria (average annual rainfall of 182% compared to the baseline norm), Central South Bulgaria (176%) and Eastern Bulgaria (171%); the lowest rainfall

11 International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River - The 2015 Droughts in the Danube River Basin Report

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Figure 13. Fluctuations in Average Annual Amount of Rainfall (mm) during the period 1988-2014

Source: National Report on the Status and Protection of the Environment in Bulgaria, based on National Institute of

Meteorology and Hydrology data, 2016.

Figure 14. Deviations of the Annual Rainfall (in % in 2014 to the 1961-1990 Climate Norms)



was in Southwestern Bulgaria (148% of the norm). Several extremely large 24-hour rainfalls have been recorded from April to October 2014 in many parts of the country, exceeding at least two times the normal average monthly precipitation rate. The regions most affected by heavy rainfalls were Kavarna, Dobrich region; Burgas; the town of Badeshte, Stara Zagora; and Staro Oryahovo, Varna district12 (Figure 14).

1.2.4. Increased Incidence of Extreme Weather Events31. During the last century, Bulgaria witnessed three distinct periods of drought. These droughts occurred in 1902-1913; 1942-1953 and 1982-1994. With regard to the latter, low rainfall started in 1982 in Eastern and Southern Bulgaria. While average precipitation declined to 90% of what normally was observed, run-off dropped to 75% of the mean annual discharge. The drought continued throughout 1990. River discharge rates declined and water levels in multi-annual reservoirs dropped drastically. The years 1993, 1994 and 2000 have been recorded as the driest years in the history of Bulgaria. The risk of agricultural drought in Bulgaria was stressed during the extremely dry 2000, 2007 and 2012 years, when the average maize grain yield in Bulgaria dropped to less than 1.8 t ha 13. More frequent and intense droughts may lead to increased soil aridity, which combined with hot winds, will increase the risk of wind erosion and soil degradation, including the risk of desertification and abandonment of agricultural land in the areas where soils are light and vulnerable to erosion.

32. Bulgaria is also experiencing an increased frequency of flood events. During the period 1991-2007, the average number of days with precipitation above 100 mm increased by 30% compared to the 1961-90 baseline. The National Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) 2014 statistics highlight that in some parts of the country the precipitation within several hours amounted to what normally is expected in three months. The increased incidence of heavy rain storms, with high intensity and short duration generates increased short-term surface runoff and the risk of increased soil erosion by water on sloping land - particularly in those areas with the most vulnerable soil types. As with the droughts, heavy floods cause huge economic damage and casualties. Damages from the most recent floods in the Burgas’ region, in south-eastern Bulgaria, in October 2014, exceeded BGN 13 million (€6.6 million). The flood-related damages to the region's road infrastructure amount to BGN 5.4 million. Before that, in spring, floods triggered by record rainfall in northern and north-eastern Bulgaria over the summer took at least 16 lives and forced mass evacuations in the affected area.

Figure 15. Anomalies of Historic Mean Annual Precipitation Data in Bulgaria

12 National Report on the Status and Protection of the Environment in Bulgaria 201613 Popova Z., Ivanova M., Martins D., et al (2014) - Vulnerability of Bulgarian agriculture to drought and climate variability with focus on rainfed maize systems, Springer, 2014

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Figure 14. Deviations of the Annual Rainfall (in % in 2014 to the 1961-1990 Climate Norms)



Note: Bars measure monthly precipitation anomalies compared with period 1961-1990; red line measures moving average.

Source: NIMH, 2014.

33. In 2014, climatic adverse events have caused huge damage to agriculture. Bulgaria is known to be one of the most hail storms prone countries in Europe. 85 hail storms were recorded for the period 2010-15. According to the environmental group GermanWatch's Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) Bulgaria ranked sixth14 among the countries most affected by extreme weather events in 2014. The European Environment Agency has estimated that Bulgaria recorded EUR 1.2 billion economic losses15 (2013 EUR value) from climate-related hazards cumulated for the period 1980–2013, averaging an economic loss of EUR 150 per capita and EUR 11,140 per square kilometer.

1.3. Sector Related Climate Change Risks and Vulnerabilities

Climate change will have impacts on many different levels at the same time. It is evident that climate change will have an impact on aggregate and individual households’ production levels and living standards. Droughts and floods are one of the most important manifestations of climate change in agriculture, and cause significant variability of yields. With the farming sector contributing significantly to the Bulgarian economy and growing agricultural vulnerability to climatic adverse events, it is expected that the livelihoods of many Bulgarians will be increasingly affected.

1.3.1. Climate Scenarios34. Global climate change has substantially increased the probability of various recent extreme weather and climate events in Europe. Improved climate projections provide further evidence that the frequency of such events will intensify, with significant impact on ecosystems and societies. The impacts of climate change across regions in Europe are not uniform. Climate change impacts do not affect all people and territories equally due to different levels of exposure, existing vulnerabilities, and adaptive capacities to cope. South-eastern and southern Europe are projected to be hotspot regions, having the highest numbers of severely affected sectors and domains. The risk is greater for the segments of the society

14 Kreft S., Eckstein D., Dorsch L., Fischer L. (2016) – Global Climate Risk Index 2016, GermanWatch15 EEA (2017) - Climate change, impacts and vulnerability in Europe 2016, Report No. 1/2017, EEA

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and businesses that are less prepared and more vulnerable. Bulgaria is situated in one of the regions that are particularly vulnerable to climate change (mainly through temperature increase) and to the increased frequency of climate change – related extreme events, such as flash floods and droughts.

35. Most scientific projections indicate that global temperature will rise between 1.8°C and 4°C by 2100. The temperature increase in Europe is expected to be even higher than the estimated global average. A recent multi-hazard climate risk assessment16 supported by the FP7 ENHANCE project17 showcased that Europe could face a consistent increase in overall climate-related hazards (heat waves, cold waves, droughts, wildfires, river floods, coastal floods and windstorms). The results were based on a set of regional climate model simulations under the SRES A1B scenario18 with a reference period (1981–2010) and three projected periods (2020s, 2050s and 2080s). According to the assessment, by 2080, vast areas in Spain, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, France, the Balkan countries, as well as Bulgaria and Romania will be subject to “increases in the probability of hazard occurrence of at least 20 percent for three or even four out of the seven hazards considered” (EEA, 2017 19). These patterns confirm the critical role of south-eastern and southern Europe as hotspots of climate change impacts and vulnerabilities.

16 Forzieri, G., Feyen, L., Russo, S., Vousdoukas, M., Alfieri, L., Outten, S., Migliavacca, M., Bianchi, A., Rojas, R. and Cid, A. (2016) - Multi-hazard assessment in Europe under climate change, Climatic Change 137, 105–119 (doi: 10.1007/s10584-016-1661-x)17 ENHANCE project - Enhancing risk management partnerships for catastrophic natural disasters in Europe , funded under the FP7-ENVIRONMENT - Specific Program "Cooperation": Environment (including Climate Change), CORDIS, Community Research and Development Information Service, European Commission. The main goal of the ENHANCE project is to develop new ways to enhance society’s resilience to catastrophic natural hazard impacts, by providing new scenarios and information in selected hazard cases in close collaboration with stakeholders, and by contributing to the development of new multi-sector partnerships (MSPs) to reduce or redistribute risk.18 Part of the Scenario Data for the Atmospheric Environment of IPCC. Key Assumptions for the SRES A1B Emissions Scenario: A future world of very rapid economic growth, low population growth and rapid introduction of new and more efficient technology.19 European Environment Agency (EEA) 2017 - Climate change, impacts and vulnerability in Europe 2016, An indicator-based report

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Figure 16. Projected Increase in Multi-Hazard Exposure

Source: European Environment Agency 2017, Adapted from Forzieri et al., 2016.

36. Most climate models simulate an increase in air temperature in Bulgaria from 2 to 5°C by the end of the century. The projected changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as potential related climate extremes in AR5 (IPCC, 201320) show, that depending on the scenario, the average air temperature will increase by 2081-2100, compared to the norm from 1961 to 1990 by 2°C (RCP2.6) to 7°C (RCP 8.5), or by 3°C (RCP 4.5) to 4°C (RCP 6). Winters classified as cold under the current climate will occur less often in the 2020s and will probably disappear by 2080s. In contrast, hot summers will occur more often and almost every summer is expected to be unusually hot in the 2080s. The Department of Meteorology, National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NIMH, BAS) conducted a research21 that projects an increase in annual air temperature in Bulgaria of between 1.6°C and 3.1°C by 2050 and of between 2.9°C and 4.1°C by 2080. 20 IPCC, 2013 - Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex and P.M. Midgley (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, 1535 pp, doi: 10.1017/CBO9781107415324.

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According to the research, in general, the temperature increase is expected to be more significant during the summer season (from July to September).

37. In most climate change scenarios, rainfall during the winter months is likely to increase by the end of the century. But significant decrease in rainfall during the summer months is expected to offset this increase. The projected changes precipitation in AR5 (IPCC, 2013) show fluctuations in annual rainfall averages within 10% (RCP 2.6; RCP 4.5; RCP 6) and 10-20 percent (RCP 8.5). All climate models predict that after 2065 and until the end of the century rainfall in the summer will decrease by 10-20% and according to RCP, 8.5 until 2081-2100 it can reach 30-40%. The results from the studies of water resources in Bulgaria, based on current trends of air temperature and precipitation as well as on simulation models and climate scenarios show that the overall annual river runoff is likely to decrease during this century.

38. Climate change scenarios for Bulgaria indicate an increased frequency of extreme events and disasters, such as droughts, heat waves, heavy rainfalls, and floods. The analysis of the expected extreme weather events, based on the use of temperature and precipitation indices in AR5, show that the number and intensity of dry and hot periods in summer will increase in the country, droughts and floods will occur with greater frequency, and torrential rainfall and dangerous natural phenomena and processes associated with these changes. The Northeast, Southeast and Thrace regions will be the most affected from these events.

1.3.2. Socio-Economic Factors39. According to the European Environment Agency22, future climate change will interact with other socio-economic developments, such as: (i) the ageing of the population and increasing urbanization across Europe; (ii) projected decreases in population size in southern and eastern Europe; (iii) and a narrowing economic gap between eastern and western parts of Europe. The agriculture, water sector, forestry and biodiversity sectors show strong interdependencies, and are also related to changing land-use patterns and population change.

40. The number of farms and farm sizes correlate with the type of production and irrigation intensity depending on the River Basin Directorate. The highest share of irrigated land is in the hands of farms that manage less than 2 ha (the average size of irrigated land is between 0.1-0.2 ha per farm), which specialize on vegetable growing and are predominantly situated in the East-Aegean region (where 40% of Bulgaria’s farms manage 27% of the utilized agricultural area) and West-Aegean region (endowed with the two main rivers, Struma and Mesta, thus showing the highest share of irrigated area: 10%). The Danube River Basin region, encompasses nearly one third of Bulgaria’s farms (32%) that manage more than half of the agricultural land (53%). The predominant large farms in this region specialize in cereals and oil seeds and irrigation plays a marginal role (0.7%). The number of large agricultural enterprises has been constant during the previous decade and there is a

21 World Bank Group (WBG), 2014 – Insurance against Climate Change; Financial Disaster Risk Management and Insurance Options for Climate Change Adaptation in Bulgaria.22 European Environment Agency (EEA) 2017 - Climate change, impacts and vulnerability in Europe 2016, An indicator-based report, European Environment Agency, No 1 / 2017

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growing trend towards crop specialization, predominantly cereals and oilseeds. This is turn has accelerated the consolidation of farm land and growth of commercial companies.

Table 3. Change of Farm structure in Bulgaria between 2007 and 2013

YearsRiver Basins

DistrictFarm

numbers Total area

(ha)Irrigated area (ha)

Farm numbers

Total area (ha)

Irrigated area (ha)

Farm numbers

Total area (ha)

Irrigated area (ha)

Farm numbers

Total area (ha)

Irrigated area (ha)

Danube 172,000 73,000 7,000 22,000 85,000 2,000 5,800 168,000 2,100 2,200 1,359,000 3,400

West-Aegean 53,400 29,800 7,000 3,600 11,400 1,300 400 14,400 1,300 100 40,000 800

East-Aegean 162,500 72,000 17,400 18,800 68,700 10,400 3,300 92,300 10,400 1,200 540,000 21,400

Black Sea 40,500 15,700 2,100 4,400 16,000 600 1,400 44,400 600 600 417,900 2,800

Danube 98,300 45,200 2,100 17,500 71,100 2,100 7,200 216,800 2,400 2,600 1,574,000 5,000

West-Aegean 48,500 22,900 2,100 3,100 11,300 2,100 1,100 34,600 2,400 200 58,400 400

East-Aegean 126,400 62,500 9,400 15,800 61,200 9,400 5,600 168,000 12,400 1,600 695,600 32,400

Black Sea 35,000 13,600 1,500 4,800 19,600 1,500 1,900 60,700 1,500 900 501,700 1,300

Danube 55,700 26,900 2,200 14,800 62,300 2,200 7,000 221,300 3,300 2,900 1,691,900 6,900

West-Aegean 37,500 21,300 8,800 4,300 17,600 8,800 1,600 48,900 3,800 200 70,500 300

East-Aegean 79,600 44,400 11,100 16,000 64,200 11,100 5,700 183,800 13,700 1,800 750,600 29,200

Black Sea 20,300 8,400 1,200 4,100 16,600 1,200 1,700 55,600 1,700 900 510,700 3,800

2013

Small farms <2ha Medium size 2-10 ha

2007

2010

Large 10-100 ha Very Large >100 ha

Source: Agro-statistics Directorate, MAFF, 2014.

41. Substantial differences in resilience and adaptive capacity associated with the huge polarity in farm structure. Large-scale commercial farms face different challenges from climate change compared to small-scale subsistence farmers:

Large-scale farms commonly have very specialized production systems and are highly vulnerable to the impact of frequent and long periods of drought upon crop yields and farm profits. However, the large commercial farms also employ well-informed professionals with good technical skills and normally have considerable financial resources and significant capacity to adapt their farming systems, including the diversification of cropping systems, the adoption of new agricultural technologies and use of irrigation.

Smaller, subsistence farms form the highest share of farm type and are socially and economically vulnerable to adverse climate events, as they often have fewer resources, more limited access to innovation, and less financial resilience23. Most of subsistence farms are supplying significant proportions of the household diet, producing mainly for own consumption and distribution within the family. In some cases, individual farmers and / or local communities are also highly specialized in the production of specific crops, which further increases their vulnerability. In other cases, some intrinsic resilience can be found within communities of small farmers due to their low inputs and recycling of resources, diversity of production, strong social relations and (in some regions) alternative sources of off-farm income. The resilience and adaptive capacity of these more diverse communities has the potential to be further developed if obstacles such as low educational standards, geographical / social isolation and lack of access to investment capital can be overcome.

42. The vulnerability of Bulgarian agriculture to climate change is worsened by insufficient agricultural extension services and inadequate information flow from

23 European Parliament (2017) – Research Study for Agri Committee – The Consequences of Climate Change for EU Agriculture. Follow-up to the COP21 – UN Paris Climate Change Conference, Directorate-General for Internal Policies, Policy Department B, Structural and Cohesion Policies, February 2017

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results of research. The National Agricultural Advisory Service provides some irrigation related advisory services to some eight thousand semi-subsistence farmers producing mainly vegetables under drip irrigation. Agricultural extension services including advisory services on-farm water management is being provided to some farmer groups by private companies under contracts with farmers. However, only a small fraction of farmers benefits from this support. The limited number of staff and budget for agricultural extension translates into inadequate advisory services; thus, farmers benefit only marginally from the results of agricultural knowledge and research, increasing their vulnerability. Without increased governmental support for extension services, the existing network is not able to sufficiently provide climate change information and adaptation advice to subsistence farmers that is relevant for the specifics of small-scale agriculture.

1.3.3. Climate Change Impact on Agricultural Productivity24

43. Weather conditions are among the main factors determining the productivity of agricultural crops. Extreme weather events and climate anomalies have a strong impact, and can compromise yields and/or reduce the quality of output. In the future, spring crops sown on infertile soils will be increasingly vulnerable, as well as the arable land in south-eastern Bulgaria where the precipitations even under the current climate conditions are insufficient to ensure normal growth, development and yield of crops. Rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the future might create conditions to improve the yields of major crops; however, this potential increase in yields, may be hindered by the increased risk of drought, as well as shortening the duration of the reproductive period, due to increases in air temperatures. There will be a shift in the dates of maturity of different crops, variations of the growing periods and changes in their yields.

44. Droughts recorded over the past decade have hindered high cereal yields. The largest cultivated cereal areas are located in the North-East Region and North-Central Region. Grain maize yields were most affected by the drought of 2012 (average decrease of 33% compared the previous year – see Figure 17). It is expected that given the temperature increase over time, fewer cold days may hinder vernalisation in winter cereals.

45. Temperature is the main factor for horticulture cultivation. Increased

24 This sub-section is based on the Risk and Vulnerability Analysis and Assessment in the Agriculture and Soils chapter of: Risk and Vulnerability Analysis and Assessment of the Bulgarian Economic Sectors to Climate Change Report, developed under the EU Operational Program ‘Environment 2007-2013’, with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund.

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Figure 18. Vegetable Yields (Annual Average Tons per Hectare)

Figure 17. Cereal Yields (Annual Average Tons per Hectare)

Source: WB representation based on NSI data



temperatures may require changes in cultivars and times of planting and harvesting. A significant number of horticultural holdings are located in the south-central region of Bulgaria and their yields are dependent on irrigation systems and water allocation. Droughts limit the availability of water resources and put a pressure on horticultural production. Vegetables (in particular, moisture plants such as cabbage) suffered from water shortages during the droughts of 2009, 2011 and 2012 (see Figure 18). The old irrigation infrastructure was also a limiting factor in the efficiency of the productions.

46. For fruits, drought months do not significantly impact the yields. However, in 2012, the yields of several fruits were lower when compared to the results of the previous year (see Figure 19). One reason for that were the unfavorable climate conditions during bud breaking, blooming, and harvesting. In general, warmer winters could reduce yield volumes from stone fruit species, which need a certain number of chilling units for their normal growth.

A number of indicators have been used in assessing the impact of climate change on agriculture, such as: length of crops’ growing season; agrophenology; crop yields and irrigation requirements.

47. Changes in length of growing season. The indicator depicts the number of days with an air temperature above a certain temperature threshold. Global warming is expected to result in an early onset of vegetation in spring and a longer period in autumn. A longer growing season would allow better distribution of individual species, especially thermophilic ones, as sufficient light and thermal resources shall better serve their growth, development and productivity; at the same time, a prolonged growing season would improve opportunities to use agro-meteorological resources, especially with the possibility to irrigate, in terms of utilizing the potential of agricultural fields for growing new, more thermophilic species or secondary crops. A longer growing season would create conditions for a run-up in thermal potential and lead to a northward expansion, as well as pave the way for breeding new species in higher mountainous terrain. Prolonging the potential growing season would however also affect the spread of a number of weeds, diseases and pests.

48. Agrophenology. Changes in the occurrence dates of phenological phases, and more specifically earlier fruit plants flowering or ripening, have been observed over the last years

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Figure 19. Fruit Yields (Annual Average Tons per Hectare)

Source: WB representation based on NSI data, 2016

Figure 18. Vegetable Yields (Annual Average Tons per Hectare)



of the previous century in numerous European regions (IPCC, 2013). In Bulgaria, earlier flowering of trees, a longer season for vines and changes in the other natural crop cycles are expected. The different growth and development stages of agricultural crops (such as flowering and ripening) are particularly sensitive to weather conditions, which are also decisive with regard to final yields. In general, a longer growing season for the respective crops strongly correlates with higher yields, because it allows better use of available light, thermal and water resources. In the case of cereals further contractions of inter-phase periods from flowering to ripening are expected. A shorter reproductive period would also mean less time for grain filling, which would negatively impact yields.

49. Crop yields. Yields depend on the length of the growing season and crop productivity forming. The length of grain formation and ripening periods is essential for cereal and oilseed crops. Due to projected temperature rises and reduced rainfall, changes in yield volumes for major crops (winter wheat, corn and sunflower) during the production formation periods should be closely monitored in the future. Forecasted changes in wheat, corn and sunflower yields are presented in Annex 2.

50. Risk management is still lagging the EU-28 average. The insurance sector in Bulgaria lags behind most of Europe, with the participation rate being 2.1% of per capita income compared to 7.6% in the case of most European countries25. Usually, in the case of agricultural insurance, the farmer pays a premium to buy the insurance which gives him the right to an indemnity, triggered by specific events (single peril insurance) or by a fall in yields/production below a certain threshold (multi-peril insurance)26. The vast majority of coverage is for hail losses, which are generally less correlated to losses from flooding and droughts. The large number of small, family-owned farms have little access to credit; financial shocks triggered by extreme events are therefore damaging and lasting. Given the lack of access to credit, in such small farms, farmers first rely on risk management strategies on-farm to reduce revenues variability, rather than purchase insurance.

1.3.4. Climate Change Impact on Livestock51. Livestock breeding will be adversely affected by greater heat stress and changes in fodder and pasture resources. Changes in temperature and precipitation due to climate change may affect livestock breeding in terms of reproduction, metabolism, health and feeding patterns. Rising air temperatures may in some cases cause stress to animals and even result in their death due to overheating, if the latter are unable to maintain a certain body temperature. Heat stress could have several negative effects on livestock production, including reduced reproductive performance in dairy cattle and decreased fertility in sows. Climate change may also impact the availability of fodder and grazing resources, indirectly affecting feeding patterns and influencing the profitability of livestock farms. Changes in the precipitation distribution in pasture areas would lead to less grass and thus, would limit possibilities to feed livestock. Consequently, fewer pastures during certain periods of the year as a result of climate change could lead to overgrazing and erosion risks in those regions.

25 World Bank Group, 2014 – Insurance against Climate Change; Financial Disaster Risk Management and Insurance Options for Climate Change Adaptation in Bulgaria.26 Lefebvre M., Nikolov D., Gomez-y-Paloma S. and Chopeva M. (2014) - Determinants of insurance adoption among Bulgarian farmers: the importance of other risk management decisions on the farm, Agricultural Finance Review, vol. 74, iss: 3, February 2014

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1.3.5. Increased Risk of Pests, Diseases and Weeds52. Climate change could increase the risk of further spread numerous weeds, diseases and pests in agriculture. Changes in temperature, moisture and the concentration of atmospheric gases could stimulate growth and the generation of plants, fungi and insects, but also change interactions between pests and their natural enemies and hosts. In Bulgaria, there are 347 alien terrestrial arthropods, of which 52 species are crop pests with potential negative impact on forestry, agriculture, horticulture and greenhouse production27. Rising temperatures might shorten the reproductive cycle of many pests, which would then increase the risk for agricultural plants. Pests and diseases often lead to harvest losses; pesticides, which could have detrimental effects on the human health and the environment, are used to combat such pests. Consequently, the spread of pests and diseases could result in an increased use of pesticides and veterinary drugs that ultimately enter foodstuff. Changes in precipitation, temperature and relative air humidity could spur the development of toxigenic micro-fungi and easily contaminate foods such as peanuts, wheat or corn, with negative consequences. A longer growing season would provide sufficient light and thermal resources that favor a better growth, development, productivity and distribution of thermophilic species. However, it would also simultaneously create favorable conditions for the development and increased number of generations of certain agricultural pests over one single season.

1.3.6. Impact on Natural ResourcesIncreased Risk of Soil Erosion, Desertification and Salinization53. Bulgaria is endowed with a diversity of fertile soils including Chernozems in the Northeast and along the entire length of the Danube river, as well as and Fluvisols, and Vertisols, which are clustered along the main river banks. Chernozems represent around 21% of the country’s territory and are characterized by extremely well-balanced porosity, and high water holding capacity and ion exchange capacity. Other soil classes such as Fluvisols carry excellent attributes for irrigated crop production and have formed along the banks of the Maritza River and its main tributaries. Fluvisols are associated with Vertisols, and Luvisols. While the former is typically rich in clay content, Luvisols carry a larger portion of silt material, which makes them good soils for the production of potatoes and other vegetables. Typically, a low permeability and a tendency to water-logging are the most important limiting factors of vertisols for irrigation. The spatial distribution of soil formation is shown in the figure below.

54. Soils in Bulgaria have different characteristics, fertility and vulnerabilities to climate change. Most types of soil do not have a high natural resistance to deteriorating physical conditions, such as rising temperatures or high

27 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (2017) – Environmental Performance Reviews, Bulgaria, Third Review Draft, Environmental Performance Reviews Series No. 47, United Nations, New York and Geneva, 2017

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Figure 20. Spatial Distribution of Soil Formations in Bulgaria



intensity rainfall. The temperature rise revealed by climate scenarios will increase the water deficit in soils with low precipitation rates, leading to an increase in the occurrence, intensity and level of impact of the soil droughts. Increased evaporation and transpiration in plants may also be expected, given the respective projections for rising temperatures, which would further exacerbate the water deficit issue during the warm period. The most serious impacts will be observed for soils with light mechanical content and partly for heavy clay soils. Most vulnerable are the soils with low capacity of moisture preservation and the regions in south-east Bulgaria, which have low precipitation levels during the warm half-year even at current climate conditions.

55. More frequent and intense droughts will likely increase soil aridity, which combined with hot winds, will increase the risk of wind erosion and soil degradation. This includes the risk of desertification, marginalization and abandonment of agricultural land in the areas where soils are more light and vulnerable to erosion. Desertification is a complex phenomenon and the consequence of a set of important processes which are active in arid and semi-arid environments where water is the main limiting factor for agriculture and other land uses. Desertification occurs when certain environmental factors trigger irreversible change in the plant-soil system. Climate change itself does not trigger desertification directly, but it impacts upon other processes (i.e. the increased wind erosion of light arid soils) which do trigger desertification.

56. The most common processes of soil degradation include water and wind erosion, pollution, reduction of organic matter stocks (humus), compaction, acidification, salinization, loss of biodiversity. Soil erosion is a process of mechanical destruction and weathering of soil by the action of water and wind and gradually reduces the nutrients and the humus in soil. Erosion aggravates the structure, as well as the water and air regime of soil. About 65% of the cultivated land area is threatened by varying degrees of water erosion, while another 24% of the cultivated land area is threatened by wind erosion. The average annual intensity of soil erosion varies in accordance to land use, but soil losses for the agricultural land are estimated at 12,256 t/ha28 annually. Over 50%29 of the estimated potential soil loss due to water erosion are formed on the territory of 7 districts: Sofia, Lovech, Sliven, Burgas, Kardzhali, Gabrovo and Veliko Tarnovo. The increased incidence of heavy rain storms, with high intensity and short duration, will generate increased short-term surface runoff and the risk of increased soil erosion by water on sloping land - particularly in those areas with the most vulnerable soil types. About 70%30 of the estimated potential soil loss due to wind erosion with regard to agricultural land with a slope below 3o are formed on the territory of 5 districts - Dobrich, Burgas, Varna, Yambol and Sofia. About 35,500 ha of arable land31 have been identified as affected by salinization processes, whereas 252 ha are assailed by regular soda and chlorides. 28 Ministry of Environment and Water of Bulgaria (2015) - Bulgaria’s Second Biennial report in Compliance with the Obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change According to Decisions 2/CP.17 and 19/CP.18 of the Conference of the Parties, December 201529 Ruseva S., Lozanova L., Tsvetkova E., Malinov I., Stefanova V., Nikolov I. (2011) - Evaluation of the factors and risk of water soil erosion of the soil in the administrative regions of Bulgaria , International Conference "100 Years of soil science in Bulgaria”, 944-94830 Ruseva S., Lozanova L., Dzhodzhov Hr., Malinov Ill., Krumov V., Stefanova V. Nikolov I. (2011) - Assessments of factors and the risk of wind erosion in the administrative regions of the R. of Bulgaria, International Conference " 100 years of soil science in Bulgaria”, 949-95331 National climate change risk and vulnerability assessment for the sectors of the Bulgarian economy report

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Figure 20. Spatial Distribution of Soil Formations in Bulgaria



These processes affect mainly the districts Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Plovdiv, Sliven, Stara Zagora and Yambol.

57. In general, climate change will significantly impact the functions that different soil types perform and will strongly affect future land use. Significant adaptation measures for protecting agricultural lands from soil erosion, desertification and salinization need to be developed and implemented, including soil conservation and runoff regulating measures, which are rather specific in terms of respective soil, climatic and topographic conditions.

Risk of Water Shortage and its Link to Irrigation58. Climate change may lead to water shortages in some regions of the country, leading to increased irrigation requirements. Water plays a vital role in the growth of plants. Higher temperatures and lower relative humidity will increase water needs for evapotranspiration in agricultural plantations; also, increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere will result in higher water use efficiency due to reduced transpiration 32 and an increased rate of photosynthesis33. Reduced precipitation levels, as projected by climate scenarios, would cause a sudden drop in water reserves and the accumulation of less water in irrigation reservoirs on a multiannual basis, which would then limit possibilities to use fresh water for crop irrigation. Given the higher probability of droughts over the next decades and growing water needs of industrial and urban water users, future crop irrigation needs will lead to increased competition in order to ensure water for agricultural irrigation and ensure stable crop production levels.

Climate Change Impacts on Fisheries and Aquaculture59. Bulgarian aquaculture is characterized by a range of farming systems34: (i) free-extensive and semi-intensive fish farming in natural or artificial water bodies with still or running waters; (ii) intensive fish farming in specially constructed concrete or earthen basins; and (iii) fish farming in net cages and recirculation systems.

60. Cultivation of fish and other aquatic organisms in specialized basins, as well as in dams, is a widely-spread practice in Bulgaria. Fish farming in the basin farms is predominantly intensive. There are two classic types of basin farms: pools with earthen walls used primarily for carp-farming (warm-water basin farms) and concrete pools, primarily used for trout farms (cold-water farms). Most of the earth basins were constructed more than 40 years ago. The average size of the fattening basins ranges from a few acres to several tens of acres, while basins with an area of over 50 acres are rare. Despite the large number of dams in Bulgaria, few are used for fish-farming purposes, because most of them were built for agricultural purposes and as reservoirs for irrigation. Fish breeding in net cages is applied in the inland freshwaters, mainly in large and medium sized dams. In recent years, net cages have been applied in smaller water basins (less than 5 acres) with appropriate depth. Net cages relate to the equipment for super-intensive production.

32 Kruijt et al. (2008) - Effect of rising atmospheric CO2 on evapotranspiration and soil moisture: A practical approach for the Netherlands. Journal of Hydrology 349, 257–267.33 Ainsworth and Long. (2005) - What have we learned from 15 years of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE)? A meta-analytic review of the responses of photosynthesis, canopy properties and plant production to rising CO2, New Phytologist, Volume 165, 351–372.34 According to the Multiannual National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture in Bulgaria (2014-2020)

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61. Droughts lead to reduced water levels which pose a serious threat to this type of farms. Combined with the deterioration of water quality this negatively affects the life-cycle of environment of the species, declining the number of fish in net cages. Droughts may also decrease the smaller mountain river and stream water levels, leading to loss of species. Higher temperatures also lead to changes in the spawning period of species. For open-basin rivers this might determine the migration to deeper, colder waters. For example, sturgeon migration in the Danube35 is vulnerable to the changing climate conditions. Sturgeon fishery is an important local income source for the communities along the Danube River and directly influences the economic well-being of the fishermen communities. Another type of risk is represented by floods, which may affect dikes and river embankments and may lead to the destruction of valuable spawning, nursery or feeding habitats.

For a stylized representation of the key characteristics of the climate change and how they impact on agriculture sector, please refer to Annex 1.

35 All sturgeons migrate over long distances for feeding and spawning. Some migrate between fresh- and saltwater, whereas others remain in freshwater for their whole life. They reproduce in freshwater and have a long life as they need several years, some even decades, before they become mature and are able to spawn for the first time. While annual spawning success is highly unpredictable and depends on available habitat, suitable flow and temperature, particular spawning sites are usually frequented periodically, and migrations are predictable. Natural hybridization can occur between all species. All living sturgeons are endangered or threatened by extinction. http://www.dstf.eu/species/ The Danube Sturgeon Task Force (DSTF), founded in January 2012 in the frame of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, Priority Area 6 (Biodiversity), aims to coordinate and foster the conservation of highly endangered native sturgeon species in the Danube River Basin and the Black Sea by promoting the implementation of the Program “STURGEON 2020”.

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Chapter 2. Baseline – Policy Context

Successful adaptation to climate change is dependent on the development of sound legal and institutional frameworks and policies, informed by in-depth knowledge of the consequences of climate impacts. The chapter presents a review of the legal and institutional framework in the agriculture sector with regards to climate change adaptation, both at EU and national level. Best practices of climate change adaptation initiatives in the agriculture sector in seven other EU Member States are showcased. Relevant stakeholders in the sector (both at policy and executive level) are highlighted and their main duties and authority related to climate change adaptation are presented.

2.1. State of Awareness, Understanding of Future Consequences of Climate Change, Knowledge Gaps in the Sector62. In Bulgaria, there is limited awareness of climate change adaptation. Policy-making has been so far almost exclusively focused on the identification and implementation of climate change mitigation measures and not on climate change adaptation (CCA). The Bulgarian policies and principal objectives in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation are related to the country’s international and EU commitments. The Third National Action Plan on Climate Change 2013–2020, outlines the framework for action in the fight against climate change for the period 2013-2020. The document defines a number of mitigation measures in the agriculture and forestry sectors, but does not explicitly stipulate policies and actions on adapting to climate change. Climate change receives little attention on the public agenda and national public awareness of climate change adaptation is rather limited. At present, there is no specific program or initiative on climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector. Moreover, often local authorities have no climate change related actions in their policy documents.

63. There is a lack of systematic studies on the impact of climate change in the Bulgarian agriculture and fisheries sector. Climate change, in general, and its impacts on the agriculture sector are subject of research of various scientific and research institutes, including the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), the Agricultural Academy-Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). The NIMH developed a range of studies focusing on the potential impacts of climate change based on different scientific approaches (e.g. physical modelling, econometric analysis, impacts assessment and vulnerability, risk, adaptation, etc.). In addition, the Nikola Pushkarov Institute of Soil Science and Agroecology studies soil parameters and soil erosion, and analyses climate change impacts on soil degradation.

64. The farmers’ community lacks sufficient information on climate change adaptation, despite being represented by agricultural associations. The interests of the agricultural businesses and farmers are represented by sectoral associations, most of which are non-governmental, voluntary organizations. The largest associations in Bulgaria are the National Grain Produces Association (NGPA), the Association of Agricultural Producers and the Bulgarian Association of Dairy Processors. The associations actively participate in different expert groups and commissions dealing with policy development of the individual sectors; they also contribute to drafting legal acts and get involved in decision making processes.

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However, specific discussions on climate change effects and climate change adaptation are not widespread and many interested stakeholders are not familiar with climate change impacts on agriculture. The entire farmers’ community knows about climate change, but their knowledge and experience, when it comes to climate change adaptation options and measures, is still limited. Consequently, farmers lack sufficient information and knowledge about the vulnerabilities of the agricultural sector and the opportunities for changing crops in response to climate trends.

2.2. Experience with CCA in the Agriculture Sector in Other EU countries65. EU member states have developed various policies, tools and actions related to climate change adaptation. Three countries have been chosen to illustrate various good practices and useful tools relevant for sectoral CCA. Italy’s best practice focuses on embracing digital technology to develop and implement adaptation measures. Poland provides free and accessible climate adaptation knowledge through workshops, trainings and advisory services, while Greece is highly involved in providing insurance to farmers. Annex 3 describes four more best practices from the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and UK.

Box 2. Italy - Embracing Digital Technology to Develop and Implement Adaptation Measures

As part of its adaptation strategy, Italy has developed various online platforms and tools to raise awareness, to disseminate information, and to provide real-time and personalized advisory services in order to help farmers combat climate change and implement the established adaptation measures. In addition, during the development of its national adaptation strategy, Italy has engaged with farmers and other interested stakeholders via eParticipation framework. In its ongoing efforts to foster wider involvement of citizens and thereby contribute to a better understanding of nature and to a deeper appreciation of its value, Italy is planning its ‘First Italian Citizen Science Conference’.36 eParticipation framework. To explore adaptation capacity of agriculture to climate change in Northern Italy, farmers were mobilized using a pre-existing online network. An online questionnaire for assessing perceptions to the impacts of ongoing changes in agriculture was designed. The results served as inputs for suggesting an array of policy actions and for setting evaluation criteria. Farmers evaluated these policy measures, using a simple user-friendly multi criteria analysis tool.37 Personalized and real-time Irrigation Advisory Service. The irrigation advisory service aims at providing farmers with real-life information on crops water requirements which contributes to a better allocation of irrigation water38. The service is split into the following steps: (1) crop growth monitoring through weekly acquisition and analysis of high resolution satellite images; (2) local agro-meteorological data acquisition; (3) field validation through measurement; (4) elaboration of water requirement measurements at field scale by means of standard bio-physical models; (5) data quality check and integration in a dedicated Geographical Information System (GIS) for irrigation management; (6) real-time distribution of personalized irrigation advice on a weekly basis directly to the farmers by means of different communication systems (including Internet, text and graphical images using

36 This conference will be held in Rome in November (23-25 November) 2017. For more information and topics included, see http://www.citizensciencerome2017.com/37 Dragana Bojovic and others, ‘Online participation in climate change adaptation: A case study of agricultural adaptation measures in Northern Italy’, Journal of Environmental Management 157 (2015), pp. 8-19.38 http://www.agricoltura.regione.campania.it/irrigazione/prci_home.html

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GSM/UMTS handset); (7) real-time distribution of aggregated information (irrigation secondary units, district and basin levels) to end users such as water users associations and/or water authorities39. Other online platforms which have been developed by Italy include:AgroScenari. The purpose of Agroscenari is to assess how to adapt to climatic changes some of the main Italian agricultural systems, including viticulture, olive growing, grain crops in the hilly south-central Italy, intensive horticulture under irrigation in south-central Italy, the zoo-technical grain growing in the Po Valley, the intensive fruit growing in the south-east Po Valley.40 The project is divided into short-term (5 years) and long-term (30 years) periods. The aim of the project is to propose the construction of climate change scenarios and production systems evolution, both at local and national level.NextData. NextData is a national system for the retrieval, storage, access and diffusion of environmental and climate data from mountain and marine areas. The objective is to develop efficient web portals to access climatic and atmospheric composition data, past climate information from ice and sediment cores, biodiversity and ecosystem data, measurements of the hydrological cycle, marine reanalyzes and climate projections at global and regional scale. The collection of data and the studies will allow for obtaining new estimates on the availability of water resources and on the effects of atmospheric aerosols on high-altitude environments, as well as new assessments of the impact of climate change on ecosystems, health and societies.41

RITMARE. RITMARE is the leading national marine research project, coordinated by the National Research Council and involving the scientific community working on marine and maritime issues, as well as some major industrial groups.42 RITMARE is divided into 7 sub-projects: (1) Maritime Technologies; (2) Technologies for Sustainable Fishing; (3) Planning of the Maritime Space in Coastal Waters; (4) Planning of the Deep Marine Environment and the Open Sea; (5) Observation System for the Marine Mediterranean Environment; (6) Research, Training and Dissemination Structures; and (7) Interoperable Infrastructure for the Observation Network and Marine Data.43

Box 3. Poland - Free and Open Climate Adaptation Seminars, Trainings and Advice

Raising awareness. As part of its efforts to raise awareness on climate change and its impacts in different sectors, Poland organized a Film Festival ‘Climate Change – Community’. Film screenings were free of charge and held in cinema halls across the country 44. Other initiatives include organizing the free and open online webinar series ‘Food-Climate-Cooperation’ with leading Polish experts and practitioners, covering the topics of climate change, permaculture, renewable energy in agriculture, cooperation between farmers and consumers and system changes needed to protect the climate45. Furthermore, a Climate-Friendly Food Book46was released.

39 See also, http://www.unepfi.org/fileadmin/publications/water/chief_liquidity1_Mediterranean.pdf40 http://www.agroscenari.it/presentazione_EN.asp41 http://www.nextdataproject.it/?q=en42 http://www.ritmare.it/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=10143 http://www.ritmare.it/en/2012-10-26-10-33-11/struttura-progetto.html44http://www.percorsidipace.eu/climate-change/from-poland/item/1001-film-festival-climate-change-community-future#.WU-4VpLyvIU Nine documentary films showing the consequences of climate change and over-exploitation of natural resources for the environment and the life of communities in different parts of the world were presented. After the end of each day, there was a discussion with invited experts. In each city one discussion focused on modern activism, especially in the context of climate movement, and the second one on permaculture as a way of addressing problems related to climate change and environmental protection.45 http://www.percorsidipace.eu/climate-change/from-poland/item/995-webinars-food-climate-cooperation#.WU-70JLyvIU

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Advisory services. Poland also gives special attention to the provision of advisory services. Agricultural advisory organizations are represented by advisors who deal mainly with the promotion of agricultural, economic and organizational innovations, providing constant education and solutions to the problems of agricultural practices and climate change adaptation. The advisory system is represented by the Agricultural Advisory Centre in Brwinów (with divisions in Krakow, Poznan and Radom), 16 Provincial Advisory Centres (ODRs), 16 agricultural chambers, 163 private advisory organizations and numerous NGO’s. The priority for the ODRs is to assist farmers and their families in making decisions that will help them achieve their goals. This is achieved by: actions taken to improve the level of qualifications of farmers and rural inhabitants, implementing the instruments of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy, promotion of the multifunctional development of rural areas, promotion of environmentally-friendly management methods and environmental protection, assistance in implementing new requirements relating to agricultural production, implementation of new production technologies, protection and cultivation of cultural heritage at the village level.47

Training and capacity building. The Norway Vista Analysis company in cooperation with the Polish research institute IOS-PIB (Institute of Environmental Protection - National Research Institute) provide trainings on climate change adaptation in 106 Polish cities. The trainings aim to build the skills and capacity of public administration employees and help them deal with climate change adaptation. As part of the project, training workshops are held for about 500 people from each of Poland’s 16 provinces. At these workshops, Norwegian experiences and best practice in relation to climate change adaptation are shared.

Box 4. Greece: Compulsory Insurance for Farmers

The Greek government is highly involved in the provision of insurance to farmers. The majority of Greek farms are covered by a public compulsory scheme 48. This compulsory insurance is provided by the Greek Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA) that is a legal entity fully owned by the State. The insurance programs cover losses to crops caused by floods, droughts, frost, hail, wind-storms, snow, excessive rainfall and wild animals. In addition, the government often steps in after serious disasters and provides compensation to farmers on an ad hoc basis. Agricultural producers can voluntary take out additional insurance policies from the private market, to complement the public coverage. However, this does not happen very often, therefore the private agricultural insurance market is less prevalent in comparison to the public scheme.

2.3. EU CCA Legal Framework and Policies in the Agriculture and Fisheries sector66. International framework defining the path post-2020. Bulgaria is a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change since June 1992 and a party to it after the ratification by the Bulgarian Parliament in 1995. It is also a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol. More recently, the Paris Agreement of 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted on December 12, 2015, providing a framework for global actions to address climate change in the period after 2020. The Paris Agreement establishes 'a global goal on adaptation: enhancing adaptive

46 The book is available in Polish and can be downloaded for free at http://dlaklimatu.pl/zywnosc-przyjazna-dla-klimatu-ksiazka/47 The tasks of the CDR as specified by the Act on Agricultural Advisory Bodies of October 22, 2004. 48 Penetration is one of the highest within the EU because of the mandatory participation for agricultural producers.

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capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change', and urges a significant increase in financial assistance for adaptation in developing countries. Through their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)49, the EU and its Member States have committed to a binding target of an at least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. The EU Adaptation arrangements under the UNFCCC are to be reviewed in 2017.

67. Europe’s 2020 Strategy50 sets the scene towards smart, sustainable and inclusive growth actions across the EU. The strategy defines three mutually reinforcing priorities for each Member State: (i) smart growth: developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation; (ii) sustainable growth: promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy; and (iii) inclusive growth: fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion. The 2020 package, part of the Strategy, is a set of binding legislation to ensure the EU meets its climate and energy targets for the year 2020. The package sets three key targets: limiting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared to 1990 levels, creating 20% of the energy needs from renewables and increasing the energy efficiency by 20%. Bulgaria appears already to be well ahead of its targets in regard to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy, and progressing well in regard to energy efficiency.

68. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) addresses the challenges of climate change. During 2007-2013, the CAP invested around EUR 4 billion in the Bulgarian agricultural sector and rural areas focusing on competitiveness and improving rural quality of life. The CAP reform 2013 was prepared in accordance with the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy.

69. The CAP for the period 2014-20 maintains the existence of two pillars: Pillar I – direct payments; and Pillar II – rural development. Under Pillar I, a new architecture for direct payments that is better targeted, fairer and greener was introduced. While member states have much freedom in tailoring the seven components of direct payments, 30% of their national funding allocations must address the greening element (Figure 21) which is made up of three measures51, namely: (i) crop rotation and diversification52; (ii) maintaining permanent grassland; and (iii) maintaining an ecological focus area53.

49 http://www4.unfccc.int/ndcregistry/PublishedDocuments/Bulgaria%20First/LV-03-06-EU%20INDC.pdf50 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:2020:FIN:EN:PDF51 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/atyourservice/en/displayFtu.html?ftuId=FTU_5.2.5.html52 For crop diversification: the farmer must cultivate at least two different crops if he has more than 10 hectares of arable land; if he has more than 30 hectares, he must cultivate at least three crops; the main crop may cover no more than 75% of the arable land, and the two main crops no more than 95%53 Maintaining an ‘ecological focus area’ of at least 5% of the arable area of the holding on farms with more than 15 hectares of arable land (excluding permanent grassland and permanent crops): edges of fields, hedges, trees, fallow land, landscape features, biotopes, buffer strips, afforested areas or nitrogen-fixing crops. This figure may rise to 7% after 2017” .

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Figure 21. Direct Payments - Overview of Allocations by Scheme (2015)

Source: EC Direct Payments, Basic Scheme, March 2016.54

70. The EU rural development policy aims at mainstreaming climate change mitigation and adaptation activities. It is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) worth €100 billion from 2014-2020, with each EU country receiving a financial allocation for the 7-year period. “The purpose of the fund is to contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy (the European Union’s strategy to promote growth and employment) by promoting sustainable rural development. The EAFRD is intended to help develop a farming industry which is balanced in regional and environmental terms, avoids damaging the climate, is resilient in a context of climate change and is competitive and innovative”55. Member States and regions draw up their rural development programs based on the needs of their territories and addressing at least four of the following six common EU priorities listed in the figure below. At least 30% of funding for each rural development program must be dedicated to measures relevant for the environment and climate change.

54 http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sites/agriculture/files/direct-support/direct-payments/docs/basic-payment-scheme_en.pdf55 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/atyourservice/en/displayFtu.html?ftuId=FTU_5.2.6.html

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Figure 22. Priorities for the New EU Rural Development Policy Framework

Source: EU Rural Development Regulation No. 1305/2013.

71. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)56 aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. The CFP sets the rules for managing European fishing fleets and for conserving fish stocks, including rules on aquaculture. Designed to manage a common resource, it gives all European fishing fleets equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds and allows fishermen to compete fairly. Its goal is to foster a dynamic fishing industry and ensure a fair standard of living for fishing communities. The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is the fund for the EU's maritime and fisheries policies for 2014-20.

72. The EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change57 provides a framework and mechanisms to improve the preparedness of member states for current and future impacts of climate change. The Strategy helps enhance the capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change at local, regional, national and European level and supports the development of a coherent approach and improved coordination at EU level. Both agriculture and fisheries are defined as key vulnerable sectors, dependent on the impact of climate change. One of the actions identified in the strategy is directly related to the agriculture and fishery sectors, namely “Action 6: Facilitate the climate-proofing of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Cohesion Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)”58. The strategy has also been considered at the stage of the preparation of the Rural Development Plan (RDP) 2014-2020.

A summary of various other relevant regulations, or delegated and implementing acts for the agricultural or fisheries sector, part of the EU legal framework, may be found in Annex 4.

56 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp_en57 Adopted in April 2013, available at: http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/what/documentation_en.htm58 European Commission (2013) - An EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions

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2.4. Bulgarian CCA Legal Framework and Policies in the Agriculture Sector

73. Agriculture or fisheries sectors have no specific legal acts that deal exclusively with climate change adaptation. The key climate change mitigation legislation in Bulgaria is represented by the Climate Change Mitigation Act59 and the Third National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) 2013-2020, providing for measures for climate change mitigation and for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in different sectors. The national strategic documents or programs that directly or indirectly deal with CCA in the agriculture and fisheries sectors are briefly presented within this sub-chapter. An extended list of relevant documents and programs, together with regulation that directly or indirectly touches upon adaptation, is presented in Annex 5.

74. The Partnership Agreement (PA) for 2014-2020 is the national strategic document outlining the framework for the management of EU structural and investment funds. The PA identifies the adverse climate changes and insufficient adaptation as important factors for deteriorating the sustainability of agricultural holdings, with restrictive impacts on the development of the agricultural sector. It also highlights the need to shift to suitable agricultural practices adapted to climate change and improve access to irrigation water. The adverse impacts of climate change and adaptation measures against its negative effects are explicitly addressed under the third strategic priority: “Connectivity and Green Economy for Sustainable Growth”, and its Sub-priority: “Climate and Climate Change, Prevention and Risk Management”. The PA envisages additional incentives for conservation and ecosystem restoration, as well as for resource efficiency and for the development of a climate-resilient economy.

75. Nearly one third of Bulgaria’s overall financial allocation under the CAP 2014-20, is earmarked for mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation activities. Implementation of the new CAP regulations started in 2015. For direct payments, implementation choices by Member States were finalized and notified to the EC during 2014, with the rules coming into force on 1 January 2015. Bulgaria received a financial envelope of around EUR 5.1 billion for direct payments, of which 30% will be linked to three environmentally-friendly and climate-relevant farming practices: crop diversification, maintaining permanent grassland and conserving 5% of areas of ecological interest or measures considered to have at least equivalent environmental benefit60.

76. However, the total indicative amount allocated to objectives impacting climate change adaptation and mitigation is 44.6% of the total NRDP budget. The NRDP addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation more directly in three out of the six rural development priorities, namely: Priority 1 - Fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas; Priority 4 - Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry; and Priority 5 - Promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low carbon and climate resilient economy in agriculture, food and forestry sectors. Direct positive impacts for climate change adaptation and mitigation are expected from the implementation of the activities under measures 10 and 11,

59 Adopted in 2014, last amended SG12/03.02.201760 According to EC’s Bulgaria Common Agricultural Policy Note, March 2015, available at: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sites/agriculture/files/cap-in-your-country/pdf/bg_en.pdf

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while indirect positive impacts are envisioned for activities under measures 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 13, 15 and 16. The RDP measures considered to have the greatest potential for climate mitigation and adaptation are listed in the table below.

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Table 4. NRDP Measures with the Greatest Potential for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation

Measure Expected Impact on Climate Change Adaptation Indicator Target Value

% of total RDP budget

M1: Knowledge transfer and information actions

Knowledge transfer for the environmental and sustainable development of agriculture and forestry will lead to the introduction of new practices involving low-carbon, low-emission technologies and better implemented agricultural practices in irrigation, fertilization, or use of plant protection products. Knowledge-sharing events such as trainings and seminars will help raise awareness for farmers about the need for sustainable use of soil resources, application of organic fertilizers, etc. Overall, the measure will have a positive long-term impact on the adaptive capacity and knowledge of sustainable development of natural ecosystems, including target species and habitats within Natura 2000 network.

Number of trainees 4800 1.14%

M2: Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services

The measure envisions the provision of advisory services to farmers, contributing to leaner introduction of new practices involving low-carbon and low-emission technologies; better farm management; improved soil management and soil preservation. The advisory services are also envisioned to support the start-up and management of small agricultural companies.

Number of beneficiaries 19425 0.68%

M4: Investments in physical (tangible) assets

The measure includes several activities which protect the environment: (i) construction, reconstruction and upgrading of irrigation and drainage infrastructure (investments into the rehabilitation of the irrigation structure of agricultural farms and beyond their boundaries); (ii) investments into machines and equipment for the protection of the environment, including the construction of safe facilities for manure storage; (iii) improvement of the irrigation techniques and technology of farms (including reconstruction and upgrading of equipment, the introduction of effective system management and promotion of efficient utilization of water); (iv) investments into reconstruction and construction of cattle breeding facilities; (v) investments into installations for waste water treatment.

Number of agricultural holdings

3500 28.82%

M8: Investments in forest areas development and improvement of the viability of forests

Sub-measure 8.1, “Afforestation and maintenance”, envisions the afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands, forest areas, or areas outside forest territories, either suffering from erosion or threatened with erosion. It also includes planting of forest belts, which will help limit water erosion and improve the water balance of the surrounding territories. The recovered forests will play a role in the protection of natural disasters (especially floods). The restoration and maintenance of the green forest infrastructure will also be favorable for the areas of Natura 2000 and natural habitats for target species.

2.18%

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M10: Agri-environment-climate

This measure includes activities to control and improve the status of the grass lands, limit soil erosion, protect soils from pollution, and improve land management. The impact resulting from this measure is positive for climate change adaptation due to the envisaged recovery and maintenance of natural habitats and habitats of species, the protection of endangered animals and plant species, etc. Sub-measure 10.1 “Payments for commitments related to agri-environment-climate” will include activities such as traditional practices for seasonal grazing (pastoralism) and sustainable use of the grass resources. Sub-measure 10.2 “Protection of endangered local breeds and plant varieties important to agriculture” will support the protection of the livestock breeding, semi-natural ecosystems and habitats. Activities under “Maintaining habitats of protected species of ornithological importance in arable lands” are aimed at conservation of species and natural habitats, including those under the National Ecological Network.

Area (ha) of agri-environment and climate commitments.M10.1

113 000

7.65%Area (ha) (Green land, intermediate crops, reduced fertilization) M10.2

7,000

M11: Organic farming

The measure addresses the promotion of organic plant production, livestock production and bee-keeping, leading to improved water management, fertilizers management and pesticide management, and consequently to a decrease in soil and water pollution. The introduction of extensive agricultural practices will lead to a reduction in the nitrification and influx of nutrients in the natural and semi-natural ecosystems, especially in the grass communities and water habitats, with a cumulative positive impact on the flora and fauna and the natural ecosystems as a whole. This will also contribute to the support of the target species and habitats and maintaining them in a favorable conservation status.

Total (ha) 46 000

5.20%

Area (ha) conversion to organic farming (M11.1)

23,000

Area (ha) - organic farming (M11.2)

23 000

M12: Payments under Natura 2000 and the WFD

The measure will compensate agricultural lands within Natura 2000, forests and agricultural lands adjacent to river basins. The measure will contribute to preservation of landscapes and the biodiversity, recovery and maintenance of habitats, protection of endangered species, meadows and pastures, wetlands, forests. It will also improve the conservation status of species and habitats in protected areas.

Area(ha) „Natura 2000 445 000 4.79%

M13: Payments in areas facing natural or other specific constraints

Payments under this measure contribute to the objectives of Priority 4 “Restoration, Conservation and Enhancement of Ecosystems Dependent on Agriculture and Forestry” and Priority Area 4A “Restoration and Conservation of Biodiversity, including in Natura 2000 areas, High Nature Farming Value”. This measure indirectly impacts climate change adaptation by supporting activities for maintaining the landscape, biodiversity and improving land management practices.

Area (ha) mountains 310 000

9.45%Area (ha) significant natural constraints

220 000

M15: Environmental

This measure envisions the promotion of sustainable forest management and improvement in the status of forests, including the support and maintenance of biodiversity, water and soil

Area (ha) environmental

90 600 0.30%

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and climate-related services in forestry

resources, combating climate change adverse effects; actions include creating protective buffers and forest belts around the permanent water flows, excluding some of the forest stock from areas designated for logging, etc.

protected

M16: Cooperation

This measure will help achieve the objectives of the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability, defined in Article 55 of Regulation (EU) No: 1305/2013. The activities planned for support are important to the enhancement of agricultural productivity, biodiversity, better management of lands and soil functionality, integrated supply chain, food quality and safety. This measure will indirectly and positively impact CC adaptation by supporting specific innovative projects.

Number of farms participating in local / regional cooperation

280 1.12%

Source: RDP 2014-2020

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77. The National Development Program: Bulgaria 202061 details the objectives of the development policies of the country until 2020. This is an integrated document focusing on the social and economic development of Bulgaria until 2020, linking the EU priorities in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the national priorities of Bulgaria. Sub-priority 4.5, related to the development of the agricultural sector, targets the “sustainable use and management of natural resources” and seeks to encourage “the agricultural producers to provide ecological and climate-related services”. Sub-priority 3.5, related to the regional development priority area, targets „conditions for preservation and improvement of the environment in the regions, adaptation to the on-going climate change and achieving sustainable and effective use of natural resources”. Both these sub-priorities aim at contributing to the protection of land and the fight against climate change. Sub-priority 4.6 deals with “establishing a competitive fish sector providing sustainable management of fisheries and aquacultures.” However, there is no directly expressed connection between climate change and the development of fisheries and aquacultures.

78. The Common Strategy for Management and Development of Hydro-melioration and Protection against Harmful Effects of Water establishes a new framework for legal and institutional reforms and it outlines how the hydro-melioration sector should manage the infrastructure for the provision of irrigation and drainage services and oversee the infrastructure for flood protection and river corrections that protects agricultural land from the harmful effects of water. A well-performing irrigation and drainage sub-sector offers significant opportunities for promoting the competitiveness of agriculture as it improves productivity and reduces the loss of income for farmers in the years with unfavorable climate conditions.

79. The Third National Action Plan on Climate Change outlines the framework for action in the fight against climate change for the period 2013-2020. The document defines a number of mitigation measures in the agriculture and forestry sectors, such as increasing the knowledge of farmers on the implementation of appropriate practices leading to a reduction in emissions from the sector, introducing crop rotation practices, or maintaining permanent grass meadows and pastures which lead to the storage of carbon in the soil. The document also defines the duties of the relevant entities (ministries, agencies and local authorities).

80. The Multiannual National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture in Bulgaria (2014-2020) has been prepared in accordance with the European Commission’s Strategic Guidelines for the Sustainable Development of EU Aquaculture. Bulgaria’s Plan covers all activities related to the production of fish and other aquatic organisms and includes measures to diversify the activities of producers and opportunities for better marketed production. The Plan discusses the state of the biological resources of valuable species of inland waters in Bulgaria and the Black Sea. More specifically, the Plan points out that the key problem for cultivating fish in basins/ponds is the reduction of the water levels due to drought climate events. However, the Plan lacks any assessment of the sector vulnerabilities in relation to climate change and does not prescribe any specific actions for mitigation or adaptation to the negative impacts of climate change.

61 National Development Program: Bulgaria 2020, available at: https://www.eufunds.bg/archive/documents/1357828564.pdf

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2.5. Institutional Framework and Stakeholder Community in Bulgaria81. The climate change related institutional framework in Bulgaria mainly focuses on mitigation. Mitigation is addressed either by striving to meet the international obligations and agreed targets for reducing GHG emissions, or by participating in mechanisms for international emissions trading, or monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of EU ETS emissions. The institutional framework related to climate change adaptation is an element of the overall climate change institutional framework set out in the Climate Change Mitigation Act (CCMA) and the related sub-legislation. Institutions and their responsibilities are illustrated in the figure below. The areas that are not yet legally mandated or sufficiently detailed, are marked in red. The stakeholders listed in such areas are engaged more or less informally.

Figure 23. The Structure of the Main Actors Implementing Bulgarian Climate Change Policies

Source: World Bank own design, 2017.

82. The Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) manages, coordinates and monitors the environmental policy at national, EU and international level. It is also responsible for coordinating the adaptation policy-making process in relation to climate change adaptation. The MoEW is assisted by the National Expert Council on Climate Change. The work in the area of climate change is done within the specialized Directorate for “Climate Change Policy”.62 The MoEW is supported by other ministries and governmental agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF), Ministry of Economy; Ministry of Transport, IT and Communications; the Ministry of Finance; the 62 http://www5.moew.government.bg/?page_id=23699

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Ministry of Interior; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Education and Science; the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy; and the Executive Environment Agency. They have responsibilities for sectoral integration of climate change actions (both adaptation and mitigation) in their respective fields.

83. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) is responsible for the programming of the National Rural Development Program (NRDP) and operates various schemes supporting agriculture. MAFF is also responsible for the development programs and strategies in the fishery and aquaculture sectors. The State Fund Agriculture (SFA) deals with administration and controls of direct payments to farmers. The Directorate for Rural Development is acting as the Managing Authority for the NRDP and is responsible for the efficient programming, management and implementation of the program. One of the responsibilities related to CCA is to design appropriate measures and schemes to combat climate change for soil protection, biodiversity and water resources and to ensure the fulfilment of commitments under EU legislation and European Structural and Investment Funds. The Directorate is also in charge with the monitoring and control of the activity of the National Rural Network.

84. The farm advisory services in Bulgaria are currently delivered by the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAAS) and private advisory organizations. In Bulgaria, the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) is represented by different institutions63: (i) MAFF with its secondary structures, including the NAAS; (ii) private and independent advisors, international trade organizations, regional suppliers; (iii) farm-based organizations; (iv) educational and research organizations and (v) non-government organizations – professional association and foundations. The NAAS is currently the only public specialized consulting organization with expertise in the sector. Through its vocational training centers, the NAAS provides trainings for farmers, as well as public and private bodies, mainly on project management, business planning, agro-ecology and climate change adaptation, as well as other relevant agricultural topics. It also provides information campaigns addressed specifically to farmers concerning applicable legal acts, innovation or different practices for cultivating crops and plants and technology development. The NAAS has been chosen as a single advisory provider by MAFF to provide advisory services to young, small scale and subsistence farmers. As a beneficiary of Measure 1 “Transfer knowledge and information actions” of the NRDP 2014-2020, the NAAS will have a key role in improving the knowledge on CCA.

85. The Bulgarian National Rural Network (NRN)64, part of the European Network for Rural Development65, aims to promote the exchange of information and knowledge among network members, to support cooperation activities and strengthen the capacity of Local Action Groups (LAGs). NRN is comprised of various stakeholders involved in rural development, including climate change adaptation. It aims to facilitate the exchange of 63 Dirimanova, V. (2014): AKIS and advisory services in Bulgaria. Report for the AKIS inventory (WP3) of the PRO AKIS project. Online resource: www.proakis.eu/publicationsandevents/pubs64 http://www.nsm.bg/65 The European Network for Rural Development was established in 2008 to support the implementation of Member States’ Rural Development Programmes. Its main objectives are to improve the implementation of RDPs, increase the involvement of all stakeholders and raise awareness of the benefits of RDPs to the broader public. It also assists with the sharing of information and good practices across the EU. For more details, see https://enrd.ec.europa.eu/about/brief_en

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expertise and know-how and to identify transferable practices. The priority of the NRN is to facilitate information exchange and to engage stakeholders in developing the NRDP 2014-2020. NRN’s activities are coordinated by the Rural Development Directorate, part of the MAFF. The NRN Managing Unit is outsourced and the external body undertaking this function is selected by the NRDP Managing Authority, following a competitive tender procedure. However, to the date of writing this report, MAFF has not clarified which company is responsible for managing the NRN for the current programming period.

86. The National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAFA) is in charge with the cultivation of fish and other aquatic organisms. The fishery policy is carried out by the Executive Agency for Fishery and Aquaculture, a legal entity subordinated to the MAFF, and two other directorates. The Maritime and Fishery Directorate is an administrative unit of the MAFF and is acting as the Managing Authority of the Operational Program Maritime and Fishery. The Common Fishery Policy Directorate assists the Ministry in implementing the Common Fisheries Policy.

87. The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) is the leading scientific institution in the country carrying out research and development activities on climate change, examining fluctuations, adaptation of the individual sectors, etc. The Agricultural Academy of Bulgaria is a public research organization, responsible for conducting scientific and applied research in the fields of agriculture, fisheries and aquacultures, as well as the food industry.

88. Several non-governmental organizations have had a direct effect on developing the policy in agricultural sectors, such as the National Grain Producer Association (NGPA), the Association of Agricultural Producers in Bulgaria (APSB), the Bulgarian Association of Organic Products, the Bulgarian Association for Dairy Processors and others. These organizations were actively involved in the consultations for programming the measures within the CAP (the pillar I and pillar II). Most of the above-mentioned organizations are members of the Monitoring Committee of the NRDP 2014-2020. The social partners (branch associations) which represent the interest of the fishery and aquaculture producers are mainly non-governmental organizations. The two largest associations in Bulgaria are the Association of Fish Products Producers BG Fish (AFPP BG Fish) and National Association of Fish Producers (NRA). The two organizations are actively involved in consultations for the fishery and aquaculture policies and have contributed to the drafting of the current operational program.

Several other relevant research institutes or national agencies are listed in Annex 6.

2.6. Financial and Human Resources in Bulgaria89. The financing of climate change adaptation measures requires a considerable mobilization of funds. While preparing the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, the European Commission estimated that the total cost of not adapting to climate change at EU-level could reach at least EUR 100 billion a year by 2020, rising to EUR 250 billion a year by 2050. Thus, improved access to funding will be a key factor in strengthening resilience to climate change. Bulgaria will need to mobilize funds at all levels, including private investments (i.e. corporate financing from agricultural private companies, loans from international financial institutions or commercial banks, etc.). Regarding public finance

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resources, the main sources available for CCA are the funds from the EU budget and the national budget.

2.6.1. EU Financial Resources90. Over the past ten years the main sources of funding within the ARD sector have been the CAP payments. Under the new CAP for 2014-20, Bulgaria has been allocated significant inflows of EU funds for the farming sector and rural areas, totaling around EUR 7.4 billion66. The total planned public expenditure67 for the Rural Development Program 2014-2020 is nearly €3 billion, including EU and national co-financing.

91. The rural development priorities further break down into Focus Areas (FA). For example, Priority 4 (Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry) or Priority 5 (Promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low carbon and climate resilient economy in agriculture, food and forestry sectors) include focus areas such as: reducing greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from agriculture and fostering carbon conservation and sequestration in agriculture and forestry; protection and sustainable management of ecosystems; efficient use of natural resources; support for conversion and maintenance of organic farming. Figure 24 illustrates Priority 4 of the RDP, with a focus on: the indicative budget per Focus Area (FA) and its breakdown by selected measure; the relation between the indicative planned total public expenditure and the expected 2023 targets set by the Managing Authority for each focus area. Figure 25 shows the indicative planned total public expenditure per measure (comprising the EAFRD support and the national contribution). The measures illustrated in the chart are the complete list of measures selected within the RDP. Measures in color grey were not selected by Bulgaria. The complete choice of measures by priority and focus areas under the NRDP 2014-2020 may be found in Annex 7.

Figure 24. RDP Focus Areas for Priority 4: Planned Expenditure, Measures and 2023 Targets

66 Total allocation of Direct Payments and Rural Development for the period 2014-2020 (in current prices) for Bulgaria.67 The European Network for Rural Development (2015) 2014-2020 Rural Development Program: Key facts & figures for Bulgaria, Version 1, September 2015

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Source: The European Network for Rural Development (2015)

92. Horizon 2020 and LIFE programs. In addition to providing funds for adaptation from structural funds, the EU budget provides support for adaptation programs and projects within the Horizon 2020 and LIFE programs. Horizon 2020 will promote research and development on climate change adaptation, while the LIFE instrument finances a wide range of projects related to environment and climate mitigation and adaptation.

Figure 25. Planned Expenditure per Measure in the RDP 2014-2020 (million EUR)

Source: The European Network for Rural Development (2015)

2.6.2. State Budget Financial Resources93. Several priorities and measures of the government policy program are funded by the state budget of MAFF. The budget expenditures are allocated across various programs, plans and

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policies. Budgetary allocation is linked to carrying out specific commitments, some of which are directly or indirectly related to climate change mitigation or adaptation.

94. The state budget program ‘Agricultural land’ aims to (i) limit the degradation processes and negative environmental impacts on agricultural lands; (ii) preserve and increase the productive potential of soil resources; and (iii) introduce good agricultural practices and provide direct support to farmers to implement EU requirements to produce qualitative and competitive products. The total spending for the program is BGN 34,697,285 (€ 17.7 million).

95. The state budget program ‘Crops’ is dedicated to the conservation of crops. It also supports: the introduction of new resilient crop varieties; the implementation of the state policy related to the supervision and control in the field of organic production; the compliance with national procedures in the field of supervision and control of organic producers, processors and traders; informing the public about the benefits of organic production.

96. The state budget program ‘Irrigation’ is carried out by the MAFF Directorate ‘Irrigation, investment and concession’. The aim of the program is to create conditions for sustainable, competitive and environmentally friendly farming by rehabilitating, expanding and modernizing irrigation infrastructure. The yearly total spending at the end of 2016 was BGN 14,859,141 (€ 7.6 million).

97. Stock breeding is a component of the program aimed to develop and save the national genetic fund which ensures genetic resources for conservation, restoration and sustainable management of biodiversity, as well as limiting its loss and tackling emerging threats, such as new diseases. The total budget for this program is BGN 3,643,679 (€ 1.86 million).

98. State aid policy in the agriculture sector is aimed at solving specific problems for farmers by applying both compensatory and preventive measures, as well as measures to promote the competitiveness of the sector. The State Fund Agriculture provides financial support to agricultural producers under state aid programs. The state aids are intended to compensate the damages caused by natural disasters, to prevent plant and animal diseases, to encourage farmers to insure their assets and to support farmers’ production which is vulnerable to climate change impacts.

2.6.3. Human Resources99. Human resources involved in the development of climate change actions, policies and programs is limited. For example, the Directorate for Rural Development responsible for the RDP has around 70 experts and administrative staff, out of which only 6 are employees at the Department of Environment and Climate. This number is not deemed sufficient to properly manage, coordinate and efficiently execute climate change adaptation measures. The NAAS has around 70 employees who have experience mainly in training and advisory services. The advantage of NAAS is that it has a network of branches and offices in the country. The Agricultural Academy and its structures have the necessary qualified human resources and science capacity. The total number of scientists and administrative staff is approximately 640. However, there is an insufficient coordination between the research

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institutes and the private sector. The private sector does not allocate sufficient funds to support research in the CCA field.

2.7. Sector Participation in Climate Change Adaptation Specific International Cooperation or Information Exchange100. Bulgaria’s international cooperation on climate change is led by international treaties and agreements. As previously mentioned, Bulgaria is a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and also a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol and of the Paris Agreement of 21st Conference of the Parties. As an Annex I of the UNFCCC country, Bulgaria is considered a country with an economy in transition, and as such it is not required to contribute financially and to transfer technologies to developing countries, unless it voluntary decides to do so. The country rather accepts financial and technological help, mainly within the framework of the Joint Implementation (JI) mechanism. The JI mechanism is a convenient way for Bulgaria to receive economic, technical and expert support with GHG mitigation efforts. Bulgaria is also a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for the assessment of climate change.

101. In the process of preparation of the National Adaptation Strategy, several recent initiatives were conducted to raise awareness and public participation for its development:

In March 2012, the MoEW, with the support of the World Bank, organized an introductory workshop on the "Preparation of a National Adaptation Strategy";

In June 2013, a second workshop was organized, focusing on "The role of insurance and financial instruments to manage the risk of climate change in Bulgaria";

In April 2014, the MoEW organized a workshop about the "Interaction between science and policy in the field of adaptation to climate change";

In June 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the World Bank hosted a high-level conference on Transforming the Agriculture and Rural Development Sector in Bulgaria.

102. Several recent educational projects and events focused on raising the awareness of CCA have been observed:

In 2013, under the IPA Bulgaria-Serbia Cross-border Cooperation Program, the “Climate change Kick-off" – Click Project was organized68. The project aimed to raise public awareness on the impact of climate change and how to adapt to a changing climate, by developing the capacity of NGOs to participate actively in the preparation and implementation of measures and policies for adaptation.

In 2014, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" introduced in their educational curricula the master program on "Climate Change and Water Management". The program aims to prepare highly qualified specialists for the analysis and assessment of climate change and integrated water resources management.

In 2015, “My Climate” Project was organized by the National Trust EcoFund with the support of the German Ministry of Environment, Water, Nature Conservation,

68 Project description available at: http://07-13.ipacbc-bgrs.eu/upload/docs/2015-01/2_51.pdf

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Building and Nuclear Safety. The project aimed to improve the public awareness in relation to climate change issues.

2.8. Bulgarian Sector Specific Ongoing and Foreseen Climate Change Adaptation (related) Actions103. An area that needs immediate attention is water management and the development of good irrigation practices. Climate adaptation should be aimed at supporting existing tools and practices but also at promoting sustainable use of natural resources and arable land, and reducing the vulnerability of the agricultural crops and any other negative climate change impacts which may lead to decrease in crop yields, loss of profits, and loss of competitiveness.

104. Effective climate adaptation requires financial and social efforts from the private sector, NGOs government and local communities. Farmers usually have limited resources and they are insured at low premium, which does not cover the losses for climate change extreme events. Therefore, the farmers need investments to ensure they can cover the costs of adapting to climate change and appropriate risk management tools.

105. Adaptation actions need to target eco-innovations and the development and introduction of more selective fishing equipment, facilities and resource-efficient technologies. The changes in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors caused by climate change will require enhanced adaptability and flexibility in fisheries and aquaculture policies in order to be able to respond effectively and adequately to climate change. There is a need for further research on and better understanding of climate change impacts on freshwater fisheries. The collection and analysis of technical, biological and socio-economic data in the fisheries sector is essential for the conservation and management of living aquatic resources. Data collection will support the scientific assessment of fishing fleet segments, fish stocks and the environmental impact on the marine ecosystem and marine biodiversity. The uncertainty associated with the interactions between climate change and fisheries and aquaculture in the long term require further research and studies to enable policy-makers to develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies in these specific fields.

2.9. Gaps and Barriers Hindering Adequate Response in Climate Change Adaptation Action; Interface with Climate Change Mitigation106. Climate Change Adaptation actions should focus on improving the existing institutional capacity and enhancing knowledge management practices. Based on the information provided in the previous sub-chapters, the following gaps and barriers that hinder an adequate response to CCA have been identified (the list is not exhaustive):

There is a high general lack of awareness and understanding of the climate change impacts on agriculture, fishery and aquaculture and CCA;

Farmers and fishermen do not receive sufficient information about climate change and are not well prepared to take measures to adapt to climate change. This leads to limited direct involvement of interested stakeholders, including farmers and fishermen.

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As agricultural extension services are missing, there are insufficient specialized trainings and knowledge-sharing activities related to CCA for farmers. Thus, there is also no formal partnership between the Government, the scientific and research institutes, universities, business community and citizens.

There are no specific courses focusing solely on CCA; the climate change subject has recently started to be included in bachelor and master level degrees and programs, but it is rarely an independent and separate subject taught at universities;

There is no dedicated Bulgarian climate change adaptation website or platform allowing up-to-date information and sharing of best-practices at the national level; currently, the information published on CCA is generic, spread across numerous documents or not publicly available and therefore difficult to access;

Some scientific studies and research are available, although they only represent a partial picture of climate change impacts and the need for adaptation; the results of the studies and scientific articles are usually published in specialized journals which are not widely available to farmers and other interested stakeholders;

There is a high disparity between the involvement of central, regional, local agencies and governmental structures, which leads to the exclusion or limited attention to climate change policies and CCA priorities at local and regional level;

A dedicated Bulgarian long-term vision-strategy for Agriculture is long called for; A more unified and systematic basis for collecting and processing information and

data is required: at present, the available information is divided between numerous directorates, agencies (NAFA, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Customs Agency, National Statistical Institute, etc.). This prevents the development of a systematic and sector-specific analysis over a long period of time and therefore hinders the development of a reliable prognosis and conclusions for the sector development;

There is insufficient monitoring and reporting for ecosystem conditions of the species in the Black sea, Danube river, rivers in general and inland water;

Sustainable fisheries management at the national level aiming at reducing vulnerability and impacts of climate change is necessary;

There is a need for improved policy coherence and coordination of CCA initiatives in fisheries and aquaculture at all levels including, for example, the establishment of a working group on climate change and disasters in fisheries and aquaculture;

Periodic updates and revisions of the legal framework should target the inclusion of climate change adaptation measures where appropriate; the institutional arrangements for CCA should be improved by allocating clear responsibilities and mandates to different entities and avoiding the fragmentation of policies and slow decision-making processes.

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3. Adaptation Options

3.1. Introduction

Adaptation to climate change can be defined as the range of actions taken in response to changes in climatic conditions. These responses include autonomous adaptation, i.e., actions taken by individual actors such as single farmers or agricultural organizations, as well as planned adaptation, i.e., climate-specific infrastructure development, regulations and incentives put in place by regional, national and international policies in order to complement, enhance and/or facilitate responses by farmers and organizations. The proposed adaptation options have been identified on the basis of the assessment in chapters 1 and 2, and should help address climate risks and increase the resilience of the sector. The chapter also looks at cross-cutting issues and concludes with identifying priority setting approaches for the adaptation options.

3.2. Identified Adaptation Options107. Adaptation actions need to be undertaken at both national and farm level. The responsibility of developing sectoral climate change policies and drafting guidelines and other regulatory documents should be undertaken by the MAFF in collaboration with all other relevant ministries, government organizations and main stakeholders. At the same time, the policy should be consistent with EU and international policies and commitments. Local authorities, business companies and society as a whole should also have a role to play. For example, further listed below, some adaptation actions (such as introducing innovations in the farms, growing new plants adaptive to climate change etc.) would require the direct participation of agricultural holders and farmers.

108. Adaptation options have been identified and grouped into “horizontal” and “vertical” levels. “Vertical” adaptation options are grouped into (i) adaptation options for agricultural productivity (crops); (ii) adaptation options for livestock; (iii) adaptation options for natural resources (soil erosion, desertification; water shortage and irrigation; fisheries and aquaculture). “Horizontal” adaptation options are further grouped into: (i) building adaptive capacity; (ii) improving awareness; (iii) strengthening research, technology development and innovation; (iv) risk management and legal framework (see Figure 1).

109. An initial prioritization exercise of adaptation options, using multi-criteria-analysis, has been conducted among invited stakeholders. The initial results indicate that the development of water management innovations and improvement of water management practices are top priorities, together with increased research development, trainings on climate change and active engagement in the wider dissemination of CCA knowledge to local farmers. The development of insurance and risk management programs has also been identified as a top priority.

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Table 5. Identified Adaptation Options

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION OPTIONS“Vertical” Adaptation OptionsOptions for agricultural productivity

1. Adjust the timing of farm operations, such as planting or sowing dates and treatments, in response to agrophenology;

2. Grow thermophilic crops within the country. Increase thermal resources and explore opportunities to grow more thermophilic crops within the country;

3. Develop suitable irrigation systems. Develop suitable irrigation systems to maintain crop yields and productivity;

4. Develop climate-adapted crops through agricultural research and experimental production aiming at optimal crop selection and development of varieties best suited and more resistant to new conditions of temperature and humidity;

5. Better management of existing woodland, hedgerows, woody buffer strips and trees on agricultural land to optimize benefits providing shelter to both livestock and crops;

6. Improve pest and disease control through better monitoring, diversified crop rotations, or integrated pest management.

Options for livestock

1. Develop systems and mechanisms for storing water on farms, securing independent water sources and rationalizing water use;

2. Adapt farms and facilities to the changing environment by supporting the alternative energy resources and agricultural biogas facilities situated in farms;

3. Improve ventilation and cooling systems in animal housing;4. Diversify livestock farming and introduce more heat-tolerant livestock breeds and adapting

diet patterns of animals under heat stress conditions.5. Save existing pastures for grazing, improve current practices for grassland management and

encourage restoration of degraded land.

Options for natural resources (soil erosion, desertification; water shortage and irrigation; fisheries and aquaculture)

1. Increase the use of perennial crops which are better able to resist climate extremes; the erosive power of rain can be reduced if the soil surface is covered by a crop, stubble or mulch, as these act to dissipate the energy of the raindrop before it hits the soil;

2. Ensure a protective cover for the soil surface or plant residues in the periods of high rainfall (especially in the autumn-winter season) and wind erosion;

3. Improve the soil structure maintenance and restoration and increase the soil’s infiltration capacity;

4. Increase the soil’s organic matter reserves;5. Use soil cultivation machines and technologies with minimum pressure on the soil surface;6. Use plant residues from agrarian plant rotation for ploughing, briquetting, burning in special

furnaces as a raw material for various industries, etc. instead of burning them directly on the field;

7. Improve water management practices. Implement management practices to ensure the effective use of water (reducing water losses) improving irrigation practices and efficiency, and recycling or storing water;

8. Eliminate secondary salinization conditions, such as irrigation by highly mineralized groundwater sources, naturally or anthropogenically induced deterioration of drainage in

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intensively irrigated areas; disadvantageous and unsuitable structure of arable land given respective conditions of the soil and hydro-melioration infrastructure;

9. Eliminate conditions for anthropogenic soil acidification (surface over-moisturization, unbalanced mineral fertilization);

10. Improve soil management by increasing water retention to conserve soil moisture.11. Maintain and improve existing aquaculture habitats and the fish access to spawning, and

create new habitats in deep pools, lakes and basins;

“Horizontal” Adaptation OptionsBuilding adaptive capacity

1. Develop climate change trainings for the administrative staff in governmental institutions (topics may include: identifying and evaluating climate risks; identifying climate change methods for preventing and reducing its negative consequences for the residents of communities; for the aquaculture, etc.)

2. Develop knowledge dissemination actions (organize seminars, discussions with stakeholders, create councils for monitoring climate change adaptation actions) and train stakeholders (training and technological advice taking into account aspects of adapting agricultural production to the increased climate risks and preventing climate change);

3. Introduce subsidies, grants and other financial programs to encourage use of any new/good systems and practices for dealing with climate change adaptation;

4. Improve coordination among responsible governmental and public institutions (MEW, MAFF and other agencies) and encourage the involvement of municipalities, regional and sectoral administrations (and ensure CCA is integrated into their policies);

5. Improve the system of managing reserves of food and seed material in case of crop failures;6. For aquaculture, improve the knowledge of the administrative staff and stakeholders in

relation to vulnerabilities of inland water species, to prevent bio-physical environment, to understand hydro and morphology pressure on rivers and dams related to the decrease of the water levels and drought effects;

7. Development and improvement of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system and M&E indicators is critical in ensuring the long-term success of climate adaptation initiatives, plans and actions. Monitoring and reporting on the progress of implementation of the climate change adaptation options should be carried out through periodical monitoring reports based on monitoring indicators that would track and assess the relevance and efficiency of adaption actions.

Improving awareness

1. Develop a national database (online portal) containing CCA-specific information, for raising public awareness and engaging community knowledge-sharing;

2. Engage in wider dissemination of climate change adaptation knowledge in order to reach local farmers; including publication of guidelines (improving the dissemination of applied research to the farm level should increase the resilience of the agriculture sector to future climate uncertainty, as well as improve agricultural efficiency overall). Information could also be disseminated through newsletters; brochures; risk maps; workshops, etc.;

3. Introduce climate change education in school and universities’ curricula – this would not only assist in raising the public awareness, but also more people would be interested to contribute and participate in CCA;

4. Establish a formal platform for aquaculture where scientists and all relevant stakeholders (including but not limited to fishermen, seafood industry, seafood preparers and consumers) can discuss issues and policies related to development and conservation of aquatic resources;

5. Develop enhanced ecosystem observation systems as well as research on ecosystem accounting and valuation, analysis of species; identification and protection of vulnerable fish

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species, including expanding protected areas;

Strengthening research, technology development and innovation

1. Develop research on new crop varieties, including hybrids, to increase the tolerance and suitability of plants to temperature, moisture and other relevant climatic conditions;

2. Develop farm-level resource management innovations to address the risk associated with changing temperature, moisture and other relevant climatic conditions;

3. Conduct research development: develop additional sectoral studies to identify the nature of climate risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities associated with current climate and projected changes.

4. Optimize the use of alternative fallow and tillage practices to address climate change-related moisture and nutrient deficiencies, including crop-rotation;

5. Increase the use of renewable energy generation: The introduction of bioenergy supply and production systems, improved manure management through capture and conversion to biogas, and the placement of wind and solar-photo voltaic (pv) infrastructure can all help to introduce low-carbon energy supply to society and, through decentralized power generation, increase resilience of current generating capacity in rural areas;

6. Develop water management innovations, including irrigation, to address the risk of moisture deficiencies and increasing frequency of droughts. Implement irrigation practices to address the moisture deficiencies associated with climate change and reduce the risk of income loss due to recurring drought (supporting building up irrigation infrastructure, mechanical innovations in farms such as the development of integrated drainage systems, land contouring, reservoirs and recharge areas, and alternative tillage systems).

7. Improve the technologies for cultivation of fish and aquaculture in inland water, developing artificial breeding of the fish; use selective breeding and implement genetic improvements for higher resistance;

8. Develop recirculating systems for fish-breeding and integrated production technologies (cultivation of fish or other hydrobionates together with plants). Integrated production technologies are a very ecological way of cultivating fish, as the water from the fishery passes through the plants, which use a significant part of the nutrients, and then goes back to the fish;

9. Develop climate information systems: Develop early warning systems that provide daily weather predictions and seasonal forecasts. Weather predictions over days or weeks have relevance to the timing of operations such as planting, spraying and harvesting. At the same time, information on longer-term climate change can inform farmers about future variability and the probability of extreme events. Early warning and risk management systems could also include historical climate data archive; an archive on climate impacts on agriculture; using systematic meteorological observations. The prerequisite for the climate information system is developing agro-meteorology stations, which provide daily information for temperature, penetration, wind, soil humidity and other agro-climate indicators related to cultivation process.

10. Carry out further studies and research on how climate change impacts livestock with the support of the Government and MAFF (including research and development on alternative livestock nutrition patterns, their general wellbeing and new diseases resulting from climate change);

11. Carry out further research to better understand the interaction between climate change and fisheries and aquaculture; this will also help policy-makers by providing insights into what adaptive strategies and policies would be most suited; Further aquaculture research is also required on issues such as new diseases and preventive treatments, aquatic animal physiology, the search for new and better adapted species, better feeds and feeding practices that are more ecosystem friendly;

12. Enhance the systems for aquaculture observation and monitoring in order to improve the

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management and science of fish migration and timing of species life cycles;

Risk management and legal framework

1. Improve the legal framework – updating the legislation to include climate change impact policies and/or adaptation actions;

2. Develop insurance and risk management programs (management strategies with respect to climate loss of crop yields and subsidized crop insurance program). Invest in crop shares and futures to reduce the risks of climate-related income loss Income stabilization programs;

3. Update and amend the legislation affecting inland fisheries and aquaculture in order to set out appropriate framework conditions for climate change adaptation and how these framework conditions are applied in the best possible way for aquaculture in inland waters;

4. Create cross-sectoral policy frameworks such as those for cultivation of fish in basins and cage fisheries farms;

5. Create economic incentive mechanisms such as, for example, awards for resource users and fishermen who have put in place improved practices and sustainable use of existing resources;

6. Provide adequate funding through schemes to meet the fishermen’s capital needs for adaptation options for fisheries and aquaculture.

3.3. Experience with Selecting Adaptation Options in the Sector in Other EU countries110. Based on national adaptation planning in other country contexts, several common features emerge with respect to the selection of adaptation options. A thorough risk assessment is an important first step in the national adaptation planning process. A good understanding of the nature and possible future severity of climate change risks and opportunities is necessary at the initial stage. For instance, in the UK, one of the major research contributions underpinning the National Adaptation Program (2013) was the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. The sequence of research and publications that preceded the final UK National Adaptation Plan is outlined in the case study box below.

Box 5. Learning from International Best Practice: Sequence of Research and Publications in the UK Leading to the National Adaptation Program, Highlighting the Importance of a

Robust Risk Assessment as a Starting Point

UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (2012)69: The first UK Climate Change Risk Assessment was published in 2012. It provides a comprehensive inventory and analysis of the climate risks and opportunities facing eleven key sectors, including agriculture, with an indication of their potential magnitude and significance. Attempts were made to express the size of individual risks in monetary terms (cost per year), where possible; however, due to a lack of available data it was sometimes necessary to use alternative costs (repair or adaption) to provide estimates. This allowed for an initial comparison of the relative importance of different risks within and between sectors.Adaptive Capacity Report (2012)70: The Adaptive Capacity Report takes impacts and risks derived from the Climate Change Risk Assessment and assesses whether the capacity to adapt is already in place, or is being developed in a sufficiently timely manner, for it to be

69 Defra (2012). UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&Module=More&Location=None&Completed=0&ProjectID=15747#RelatedDocuments70Ballard, D., Black, D. and Lonsdale, K. (2012). Initial Assessment of the UK’s Adaptive Capacity for Responding to the Impacts of Climate Change. http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&Module=More&Location=None&Completed=0&ProjectID=18363

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realistic for policymakers to plan on the basis that the risks are likely to be managed. The Adaptive Capacity Report distinguishes between two aspects of adaptive capacity, namely structural adaptive capacity and organizational adaptive capacity.Economics of Climate Resilience (2013)71: The Economics of Climate Resilience explored the drivers of behavior that hinder or promote the adoption of adaptation actions, by identifying and assessing market failures and other barriers to effective adaptation action. For each group of actions identified, the Economics of Climate Resilience provides a summary figure with details of the current and anticipated uptake of adaptation actions and associated effectiveness (an example is shown in the figure below).

Figure 26. Current and Anticipated Uptake of Adaptation and Effectiveness for the Agriculture Sector in the UK

Source: Economics of Climate Resilience (2013)72

National Adaptation Program (2013)73: In selecting the areas on which to focus, the National Adaptation Plan was guided by the magnitude, confidence and urgency scores assigned during the analysis underpinning the CCRA. This placed the spotlight on those risks needing urgent attention due to confident expectation of high magnitude impacts or long planning horizons, for example, large infrastructure projects. Then working in partnership with businesses, local government and other organizations, objectives, policies and proposals were developed to address the highest magnitude risks.

111. Priority is given to actions that address existing vulnerabilities. It is widely proposed that the immediate imperative is to address climate variability (i.e. extreme weather events) in its present form as part of the continuum of change. As such, emphasis should be placed on impacts to which individual sectors are already susceptible, whilst also considering how these impacts may change over time, by incorporating future climate projections. Developing resilience to climate variability is a step towards adapting to climate change. The

71 Defra (2013). Economics of Climate Resilience (ECR). http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Module=More&Location=None&ProjectID=1801672 http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Module=More&Location=None&ProjectID=1801673 HM Government (2013). The National Adaptation Programme – Making the country resilient to a changing climate https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adapting-to-climate-change-national-adaptation-programme

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process of understanding and developing resilience in the face of extreme weather events can help stakeholders develop a clearer understanding of adaptation needs and how to implement adaptation responses.

112. Adaptation planning needs to be a cyclical and iterative process. In line with international best practice (e.g. the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2014; see figure below) adaptation is a continuous process, involving review, revision and redefinition. The IPCC framework below depicts the assessment process and indicates multiple feedbacks within the system and extending to the overall context. This cyclical approach promotes robust decision-making in the face of uncertainty, by enabling decisions to be revisited in the light of new information, for instance, the level of potential climate change impacts and associated risks. This is reflected in the cyclical publishing of the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment every 5 years. The UK National Adaptation Plan also recognizes that the program will inevitably evolve as knowledge grows, allowing re-evaluation of policy based on the underlying evidence.

Figure 27. Framework Promoted by the IPCC, Showing the Iterative Nature of Risk Management

Source: IPCC 201474

113. Awareness actions feature throughout adaptation best practice. Raising awareness about climate risks, adaptation options and on how good climate risk management can save money, is a crucial first step in adaptation planning. Greater levels of awareness will help advance the capacity and skills in delivery teams and facilitate improved coordination,

74 IPCC (2014). “Chapter 2: Foundations of Decision Making.” In Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Jones, R.et al. pp. 53

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which is particularly important when dealing with complex, cross-sectoral and national-scale impacts and trade-offs.

114. Knowledge gaps still exist and addressing these is an important adaptation priority. It is impractical to assume that all uncertainties associated with current and future climate risks, and the management options available, can be removed. Nevertheless, targeted research can help reduce the uncertainties. However, it is also important to also recognize that evidence gaps should not prevent action on adaptation. Understanding where the evidence gaps and deficiencies in assessment methods lie will help identify appropriate robust strategies that take full account of the uncertainties in risk.

3.4. Adaptation Options Assessed3.4.1. Time115. Adaptation is a long-term process, comprising of various stages and approaches for implementation, and priority actions for Bulgaria’s agriculture sector need to be identified. Some adaptation options identified will need to be fast-tracked and implemented in the short-term and middle-term, while others in the long-term. Even in areas of high vulnerability, not all adaptation measures have to start at once; some measures can be implemented at short notice, whereas others require long-term planning and preparation. The flexibility of the planed adaptive actions could be achieved through regular monitoring and interim evaluation.

3.4.2. Budget116. The budget is a key element for carrying out the climate change policy and adaptation measures in the agriculture sector. The financial allocation for adaptive measures and distribution of resources among the priority actions will be based on the need assessment and economic and financial analysis. The main sources for financing adaptive actions are national (state budget), EU (grants, subsidies of the current and future CAP instruments), and private funding from financial institutions (bank credits, risk management instruments, and specialized preference financial instrument such as credit guarantee scheme absorbing private and state funding). The Rural Development Program provides a framework to help encourage adaptation in the agricultural sector. Agri-environmental-and-climatic schemes have the potential to offer support for many adaptation options.

3.4.3. Institutional Arrangements117. The institutions and the main stakeholders involved in climate change adaptation are described in detail in Chapter 3, sub-section 3.5. The Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) plays the leading role in protecting the environment and setting the national climate change policies, as well as coordinating such polices with the EU and other international forums, while the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, through its agencies and directorates, is responsible for the sustainable development in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors, developing sectoral policies and implementing plans for adaptive measures in these sectors. MAFF should undertake actions towards raising public awareness and capacity building. Climate change adaptation may require increasing capacity and setting up of a new unit at the ministry with responsibilities to develop sectoral climate adaption policy, coordinate with other governmental institutions and main stakeholders, monitoring climate

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adaptation measures. At the local level, municipalities should include the climate change adaption into local strategic documents and programs, such as municipal development plans, urban plans, programs for environment protection, etc.

3.4.4. Benefits118. Benefits for adaptation actions in the agriculture sector can be viewed temporally, as either offering short-term or long-term benefits. Actions that offer short-term benefits are those which improve resilience to extreme events or those that improve the enabling environment and governance framework to facilitate more effective adaptation in the future (e.g. mainstreaming climate change within sector policies and plans, and building institutional capacity and knowledge networks). Actions offering longer-term benefits are linked to agricultural assets, which frequently have long lifespans, and include amendments to existing or planned assets to ensure climate resilience (for instance, improved water management and renovating the irrigation infrastructure, leading to efficient use of irrigation water and conservation of soil moisture).

119. Benefits can also be viewed in terms of the wider socio-economic or environmental benefits they offer. For instance, developing better and improved early warning systems would contribute to farmers being able to foresee the costs for protecting agricultural products as well as to respond in an efficient manner to unfavorable climatic events, thus reducing the loss of crops and livestock due to droughts, floods or other weather extreme event. Saving costs helps stabilize the income and revenues for farmers.

3.4.5. Efforts120. The implementation of the proposed adaptation options in the agriculture sector will require considerable effort, time and resources as many of them would need to be implemented simultaneously and in the short-term. Efforts in relation to climate change adaptation can be divided to the roles and responsibilities of the public institutions and stakeholders.

3.4.6. Consequences of No Action121. Extreme weather events will considerably increase the risk of crop failure and increase agricultural losses. Delaying actions for climate change adaptation will therefore put pressure on agriculture output and crop productivity, leading to low financial viability of the agricultural producers. Climate change extreme events will also continue to affect soil by depleting organic matter – a major contributor to soil fertility. The changes in the quality and availability of water resources, will also affect the agriculture sector, including food production, leading to food shortages and negative impact on food security. This further translates into loss of income and it exacerbates poverty for vulnerable households.

3.4.7. Indicators for Measurement122. Indicators should be used for monitoring and assessing the implementation progress of the adaption options/measures in agriculture. Adaptation planning is an iterative process. A key part of a good monitoring and evaluation system is to have quantifiable indicators that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely). Determining reasonable indicators for climate change projects is not an easy exercise because of the long-

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term horizon of certain adaptation measures and of the uncertainty associated with climate change impacts. Additionally, defining realistic indicators for a climate change adaptation policy and measures requires the availability of reliable information. The box below highlights the criteria for reviewing indicators.

Box 6. Criteria for Reviewing Indicators

Policy relevant: the indicators shall be policy relevant, especially towards the strategy target and options;

Showcase progress towards target: the indicator shall show progress towards the 2030 target;

Broad acceptance and easy to understand: the indicator shall be easy to understand and to document;

Affordable monitoring, available and routinely collected data: also ensures that indicator can be updated regularly;

Affordable modelling: information on cause-effect relationships should be achievable and quantifiable;

Flexibility: the indicators should be able to detect changes in systems and in timeframes that are relevant to the decisions, but also be robust so that measuring errors do not affect the interpretation;

Utility – the collected information need to be useful and relevant for adaptive option implementation and management;

Scale and representativeness: the set of indicators need to apply to sectoral level and be representative for the implementation measures in agriculture.

123. A few groups of general indicators are presented in Annex 8. The indicators are indicative and do not include specific indicators for soil matter, GHG emission and other specific bio-physical variables, water availability, humidity and precipitation climatic variables. Next steps should include defining the indicators in a more specific manner.

3.5. Cross-Cutting Issues, Trade-Offs and Synergies of Adaptation Options124. Coordination and interaction between different sectors (interdependencies) is complex. Climate change impacts and consequences affect different parts of the country in a different manner. Understanding the spatial distribution of climate change risks is important to develop appropriate and effective local adaptation strategies. To better understand and being able to respond adequately and in a timely manner, there should be a detailed and systematic mapping which identifies how particular risks create cascading impacts across different sectors. Moreover, climate change also impacts people differently depending on their social, cultural and economic background. Those working predominantly in the agriculture sector as well as the elderly, low-income people are more likely to feel the effects of climate change.

125. Climate change impacts a wide variety of economic and social sectors. Climate change encompasses issues related to water, air and soil quality; urban and rural development; land use; food security, agricultural production and human health. For example, a flood can cause direct damages to crops, roads for transportation, and buildings, which would contribute to the increase of food prices and would ultimately have effects on people’s lives and well-being. Higher temperatures would cause stress on animals and would increase

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the need for more energy for cooling. Loss of biodiversity and changes in ecosystems have direct effects on crop and animal breeding and, therefore, the introduction of new more climate resilient crops and reductions of stress due to higher temperatures for animals would have positive effects for both biodiversity and agriculture sectors. Pests and diseases pose a significant risk to agriculture, forestry and biodiversity sectors. Soil degradation has also negative impacts on both agriculture and forestry. Coordinated actions are therefore needed to manage the threats of outbreaks and pests’ infestations and to protect the farms, the woodlands and the wider natural world. Agriculture and urban development are increasingly being considered together. Producing certain crops (vegetables, fruit and herbs) in the city (for example, on roof top gardens) would reduce productions and transportation costs because certain foods would be produced closer to the consumer and, at the same time, the introductions of such green spaces would contribute to making the cities greener and healthier by capturing dust and reducing the CO2 emissions. Growing own fresh food alleviates household expenditures on food and reduces energy spent in transport, cooling, processing and packaging. Sustainable management of fisheries is essential for ensuring long-term viability of the sector, which supports healthy ecosystems. Fisheries is also closely related to tourism and recreational activities linked to water and fishing (including angling, boating, visiting harbors, accompanying fishermen when they fish, etc.). Recreational fishing and fishing tourism provide additional jobs and income for local fishermen and areas with tradition in fishing.

126. Adaptation needs to be integrated into existing plans and practices, accompanied by better coordination and cooperation among stakeholders. Adaptation to climate change is a cross-cutting issue. Climate change adaptation measures should be implemented as an integral part of current and planned initiatives and projects. Achieving effective adaptation requires the adoption of an integrated approach, which takes account of social, economic and environmental considerations. Adaptation activities are therefore necessary in a variety of sectors and involve a significant number of actors in various fields and departments. The participation of a wide range of stakeholders with expertise in the agriculture sector, including farmers, industry representatives, statutory bodies, and NGOs is crucial for the development of adaptation measures and implementing such measures. Action is needed at multiple levels and political, legal and institutional settings need to be in place to manage the interdependencies. Some of the adaptation policies and plans will be needed at a national level while others need to be implemented at a regional or local level to be most effective. The central government in Bulgaria should focus on engaging local and regional agencies and encourage them to include climate change adaptation as a priority in their policy documents. A local response should be accompanied by a broader (national) support for capacity building, sharing of best practice, funding, etc. The involvement of various actors and stakeholders may slow down the decision-making process, may lead to fragmentation of the adaptation actions, which may lead to lack of coordination and ultimately may make the process of adaptation slow. Therefore, appropriate system for coordination and cooperation needs to be in place.

127. Promoting synergies between adaptation and mitigation in agriculture will ensure more effective and efficient policies. For these purposes, it is necessary to establish a regime for systematic investigation into the synergy between adaptation and mitigation

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measures in agriculture. Some adaptation options for climate change have positive impacts on mitigation. Examples of measures that can contribute to both adaptation and mitigation include: (i) measures that reduce soil erosion and improving soil health; (ii) measures for conserving soil moisture; (iii) improving and optimizing crop rotations by choices of species or varieties.

128. Risk assessment and monitoring frameworks for adaptation should be established. Adaptation is an on-going process and involves an on-going integration of options, costs and risks in different parts of the country and over different periods of time. Goals and targets for adaptation must be flexible due to the inherent uncertainty and dynamics of climate change. The assessment of such impacts is very complex and prone to uncertainty. Research and dissemination of updated information is essential for filling any significant gaps as it helps to reduce uncertainty. Continuous research and monitoring of climate change risks and vulnerabilities would contribute to better understanding of climate change impacts and tracing any changes and developments. Furthermore, consistent monitoring on the implementation of adaptation measures, plans and related programs is necessary to ensure that the measures are efficient and effective. To help the monitoring on the progress of implementation, reports from the relevant stakeholders responsible for the implementation may be sought annually. The implementation of the measures needs to be reviewed and additional measures may be deemed necessary.

129. Adaptation research and knowledge-sharing activities are vital for building capacity and enhancing skills. Research, knowledge-sharing activities and communication of best practices are needed for promoting climate change adaptation. Dissemination activities and advisory services play a significant role in climate change adaptation because it can help individuals and farmers to better understand climate risks. Data and information should be comprehensible, easy to understand and easy to access. Additional activities should include disseminating information of good practices (guidance), documenting case studies, establishing demonstration farms and sites to improve farmers’ knowledge and skills in relation to climate adaptation.

3.6. Priority Setting Approach130. Prioritizing is necessary to better understand which areas need to be addressed urgently and provide a rationale for focusing the adaptation assessment on key issues. Climate change is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. Impacts on agriculture (both positive and negative) are of varying significance. Some areas require immediate action while others may require a more flexible approach and/or long-term actions. For example, short-term measures include changes in agronomic practices, such as changes in crop varieties and date of planting and harvesting; changes in the use of fertilizers and pesticides; and practices to conserve moisture in the soil. Most of these actions should be undertaken by farmers. Long-term measures include changes in land use; development of more robust crop types; substitution of crops; modification of microclimate and irrigation; and changes in farming systems for a geographical locality. These include both farmer participation but go beyond that. Moreover, there are areas which require further evidence and information to determine whether more action is needed. A good example is the emergence of new pests and diseases, and invasive alien species which affect not only plants and animals, but also people.

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131. The prioritizing exercise should be based on defined criteria. A wide range of possible adaptation actions and measures are available. To prioritize the implementation of the identified adaptation measures, a set of selection criteria should be applied. The following criteria could be taken into account for selecting adaptation measures and assessing their priority: (i) the urgency of the problem; (ii) complexity of the solution; (iii) feasibility measures (technical, political feasibility); (iv) flexibility (can it be easily adjusted or reversed based on changing conditions); (v) cross-sectoral implications (e.g., water management, tourism, energy); (vi) likely impacts (How significant is the measure in absolute terms? Is only a relatively small portion of the population and society affected, or a very large part? If this measure were not implemented, would the damage to society as a whole be large or rather small?); (vii) side effects; (viii) additional benefits; (ix) economic viability (cost/benefit; potential cost for implementation as well as cost-effectiveness).

132. Optimizing the allocation of resources should be based on the economic assessments of climate change adaptation options. Adaptation to climate change requires investments. If there are limited resources, the following question arises: How much should be invested in which adaptation option(s) and at what time in order to create the highest benefit at reasonable costs and within the available budget? Decision-makers therefore face a basic economic problem: optimizing the allocation of resources. There are several techniques for the economic assessment of climate change (quantitative models). The three most popular methods are presented in the box below.

133. Identification of climate change adaptation options is an important step in the process of establishing resilience to climate change. However, it is not realistic to expect that all identified adaptation options can be implemented simultaneously. Therefore, adaptation options are normally scored to establish a priority order for their implementation. In the framework of this report we have, following EU guidance75, prioritized the adaptation options specifically identified for the agriculture sector.

134. In support of the priority setting a prioritization meeting was organized in Sofia in October 2017, inviting a variety of stakeholders from the sector. The meeting used a basic version of the multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach. MCA is an approach, as well as a set of techniques, that aims at providing an overall ordering of options, ranging from the most preferred to the least preferred. It represents a way of looking at complex problems that are characterized by a mix of monetary and non-monetary objectives. MCA breaks down options into more manageable pieces by using a set of criteria. The two groups of criteria used for the analysis were those of ‘Net Benefits’, further broken down into economic, social, and environmental benefits, and ‘Implementation Risks’, further broken down into financial, social, institutional, technical, and technological risks. This approach allows data and judgements to focus on the separate pieces that are then reassembled to present a coherent overall picture.

135. In carrying out the MCA (i.e. ‘scoring the different adaptation options’), the meeting benefited from the presence of stakeholders with professional knowledge and experience in the sector. Nevertheless, this priority setting effort must be considered as indicative and tentative, for three main reasons. First, the effort was carried out at an early stage in the

75 http://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/knowledge/tools/adaptation-support-tool/step-4/prioritise-and-select

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process of developing a strategic view and planning of sector specific climate change adaptation options. Second, not all those who were invited to the prioritization meeting used this invitation to attend. And third, a broader understanding of underlying information and notions at the side of the stakeholders would be beneficial to allow them to make more founded scores. Therefore, the current priority list only serves as a ‘first feel’ about the main direction of the actions to be taken first. At a later stage, further attention should be paid to the priority setting process, both for this sector as across all economic sectors that play a role in the planning of Bulgaria’s climate change adaptation actions.

136. The main priority adaptation options that were tentatively and indicatively identified for the Agriculture sector are:

Horizontal adaptation options:1) Develop climate change training2) Develop knowledge dissemination actions3) Develop insurance and risk management programs4) Develop water management innovations5) Improve the CCA legal framework

Vertical adaptation options:1) Improve water management practices2) Adjust the timing of farm operations3) Improve the soil structure maintenance and increase the soil’s organic matter reserves

and soil cultivation technologies4) Eliminate secondary salinization conditions and conditions for anthropogenic soil

acidification 5) Maintain and improve existing aquaculture habitats

Box 7. Economic Assessment Methods

The three main methods that are usually applied in the economic assessment of climate change adaptation options are: (1) cost-benefit analysis (CBA); (2) cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA); and (3) multi-criteria analysis (MCA). All three approaches can analyze and prioritize adaptation options. From a purely economic perspective, a CBA is preferred whenever possible with respect to the assessment of climate change adaptation options. The major limitation of a CBA, however, is that all the costs and benefits must be measurable in monetary terms. A CBA can help decision-makers decide which adaptation option is preferred if there is more than one option that makes economic sense to be implemented. A CEA can rank and thus prioritize climate change adaptation options. A CEA can be considered a costing analysis of alternatives. CEA is applied in assessing adaptation options in areas where adaptation benefits are difficult to express in monetary terms, including human health, freshwater systems, extreme weather events, and biodiversity and ecosystem services; but where costs can be quantified. Using an overall CEA is appropriate in cases where only one adaptation option will be implemented, which would be the option with the lowest cost-effectiveness ratio.

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When benefits cannot be measured quantitatively or when multiple diverse benefits cannot be aggregated, a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) can be used. Like a CBA and CEA, an MCA can rank and thus prioritize among multiple adaptation options. However, contrary to a CBA, ranks resulting from an MCA are not based purely on economic calculations but on a (qualitative) assessment of criteria such as feasibility, cost effectiveness, co-benefits, ease of implementation, acceptability to local population and resources required. The MCA differs from CBA and CEA in that rules for the assessment of options according to a set of criteria have to be agreed upon in order to rank options. Since reliable quantitative information on this may be difficult to attain, a qualitative expert judgment is the typical way to fill the information gap. This makes an MCA more subjective and may lead to a lack of transparency, especially if calculations are computerized. CBA is flexible and adaptive to natural and environmental dependencies of agriculture sector, because it consists of several analytical elements (financial analysis, economic analysis, risk assessment, etc.). The CBA is one of the appropriate tools for assessment, because the climate change risks can be estimated in monetary terms by estimating the expected saving from applied adaptation actions. These methods consider the need for effective and efficient spending of public resources in the implementation of individual measures, but also the effects of the interventions.

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Annex 1. Climate Change Potentially Impacting the Agriculture Sector in Bulgaria

Affected Agriculture Sector Aspects

High temp. Low temp. Prolonged rainfall

Drought Water table rise

Sea level rise

Specific effects of CC relevant for agriculture

Extreme Weather Events

Water supply

shortage

Soil degradation

Pests / diseases

Electric storms

Fog Floods Avalanches Landslides Storms

D P D P D P D P D P D P D P D P D P D P D P D P D P D P D PLand losses L L - - H M H H L L - - M M H H M M - - - - H H - - M L M MCrop yield M M M L M M H H L L - - M L M M M M - - - - H H - - L L M LCrop productivity M M M L M M H M M M - - M L M M M M - - - - H H - - - - M LCrop diversification M L M L M M H M L L - - M M L L L L - - - - H H - - - - L LLivestock productivity M M M L L L M M L L - - M L - - H M - - - - H H - - - - - -Crop output M M M M M M M M L L - - M L M M M M - - - - H H - - L L L LAnimal output M M L L L L H M L L - - L L - - H M - - - - H M - - - - - -Loss of income M L L L L L M L L L - - M L M M - - - - - - H H - - L L - -Unemployment L L - - - - M L - - - - - - L L M L - - - - M L - - - - - -GVA agriculture M L L L M L H M L L - - L L M L M L - - - - H H - - - - - -Risk of poverty L L L L M L M L - - - - L L M L M M - - - - H M - - L L L LCrop quality L L L L L L H M - - - - M L M L M L - - - - H M - - - - L LAgricultural facilities - - - - L L - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - H M - - - - M L

Legend: D = damage; P = probability of occurrence by 2050 at latest; U = unknown; H = high; M = medium; L = lowred = negative impact; green = positive impact; blank = neutral impact

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Annex 2. Forecasted changes in wheat, corn and sunflower yieldsFigure 28 shows deviations in simulated winter wheat yields for the periods 2011-2020 and 2041-2050 under the ROIMPEL model, using the HadCM3 - А2 emission scenario. The figure highlights that 2011-2020 and 2041-2050 yields in Bulgaria will increase during the first period by an average of about 3-3.5 t/ha for the greater part of the country, and with no more than 2.5-3 t/ha during the second period. Major cereal production regions will face dropping yields. Despite expected high air temperatures and reduced precipitation, the projected increase in wheat yield varies from 12 to 25% due to the fertilization effect of increased levels of CO2.

Figure 28. Changes in Winter Wheat Yield for 2011-2020 and 2041-2050

Source: Risk and Vulnerability Analysis and Assessment of the Bulgarian Economic Sectors to Climate Change

Deviations in simulated corn yields for the periods 2011-2020 and 2041-2050 as per the ROIMPEL model and 2000-2010 yields under emission scenario A2 in the HadCM3 model are shown in . A decrease in yield volumes is expected by 2050 and will most likely continue towards the end of the century. Reduced yields over the next decades would be attributed to a shorter growing season and reduced rainfall in summer, which is the main development period for the crop.

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Figure 29. Deviations in Corn Yields for the Periods 2011-2020 and 2041-2050


Deviations in simulated sunflower yields for the periods 2011-2020 and 2041-2050 (HadCM3 - В2) under the ROIMPEL model are shown in Figure 30. As can be seen, yields in Central and Western Bulgaria during the first period shall be close to or about 15% above the norm, while in the eastern part of the country we see a drop of about 10%. By mid-century, yields in Eastern Bulgaria shall further decrease by 10-20%, while in the rest of the country they shall either remain constant or exceed current figures by about 15%. Still, the cultivation of sunflower largely depends on precipitation, especially in summer when the vegetative mass is being formed, and each drought would be detrimental to the formation of the crop.

Figure 30. Deviations in Sunflower Yields for the Periods 2011-2020 and 2041-2050


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Annex 3. Other Relevant Best-Practices in the EUEU member states have developed various policies, tools and actions related to climate change adaptation. Four countries have been chosen to illustrate various good practices and useful tools relevant for sectoral CCA. Sweden’s best practice focuses on the Swedish National Knowledge Centre for Climate Change Adaptation, which provides useful tools and information to help society cope with a changing climate. The Centre is an interface for science, policy and practice, bringing together decision makers, businesses, research providers and organizations that make climate change adaptation happen. The UK showcases its consistent involvement in establishing agricultural innovation centers and knowledge-sharing programs. Austria developed practice-oriented tools for humus balancing, viniculture adaptation measures and climate change adaptation platforms and websites. Finally, the Netherlands promotes and invests in systematic and state of the art scientific research programs for better understanding the consequences of climate change in agriculture and other sectors.

Box 8. Sweden

In Sweden, there is no central national ministry or agency that has the overall responsibility for climate change adaptation. Instead, there are many different specialized local and regional authorities which are responsible for climate change adaptation in their respective fields76,77. Since 2009 the county administrative boards are responsible for climate change adaptation at a regional level. Many central agencies play an important role through their respective sectorial responsibility. Some 30 agencies are working on prevention, increased competence and knowledge as well as improved preparedness for disruptions in vital public services. As part of its work on CCA, the Swedish National Knowledge Centre for Climate Change Adaptation was established in 201278. The Centre is based at the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) and provides information and research to all interested stakeholders. The Centre collects, develops and shares research, information from authorities and good examples to facilitate sound decision making. A short documentary-film on climate change adaptation in Sweden is also available, showcasing the challenges and effects of climate change in Sweden and describing ways to mitigate and adapt to meet these challenges79. The Centre also runs the online Climate Change Adaptation Portal 80. The portal was developed through the cooperation between 18 Swedish governmental agencies, municipalities and county councils. Its main goal is to inform citizens and society at large of the climate change consequences in various sectors, including agriculture and forestry, and to prepare people to respond effectively81. The portal collects and shares the latest news on climate change adaptation, both internationally and in Sweden. The portal also includes climate change case studies and examples of adaptation actions taken at local, national and international level, providing inspiration and knowledge-sharing experiences. The Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF) is an independent interest and business

76 http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/SWEDEN.pdf77 http://www.klimatanpassning.se/en/about-us/roles-and-responsibilities-1.2510978 https://www.smhi.se/en/theme/climate-centre79 http://www.klimatanpassning.se/nyhetsarkiv/climate-change-adaptation-in-sweden-watch-the-film-1.3173480 http://www.klimatanpassning.se/en81 http://www.klimatanpassning.se/en/effects/agriculture-and-forestry/agriculture-1.98669

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organization supporting farmers at regional, national and international level. It encompasses approximately 150,000 individual members and represent around 90,000 enterprises. Almost all cooperatives within the Swedish agriculture sector are also members. LRF’s head office is in Stockholm and conducts operations in 17 regional offices throughout Sweden; LRF also has a Brussels’ office for EU representation. LRF runs its business operations through seven subsidiaries, which employ more than 2000 employees, promoting the development of the green industry and its farmers of agricultural and forest land, growers and entrepreneurs so that they can fulfil their vision of green growth and profitability. LRF places climate change on top of their priorities’ agenda and supports various research studies and initiatives in the field82. Its current initiatives include: studying the use of energy on farms in order to make farms more efficient; presenting good examples on smart climate solutions and good practices in agriculture; developing a climate website to inspire farmers to make climate-friendly choices; promoting climate labelling on food; as well as initiating and financing research on identifying climate-friendly measures. The Swedish Portal for Climate Change83 has a dedicated section of adaptation case studies and good examples in various sectors including agriculture. Insulated and ventilated cowsheds. In 2012, a new loose housing shed was developed to house dairy cows and heifers, with the aim was to reduce the risk of heat stress among the cows. The new cowshed uses warm loose housing, and which means that cows are not penned in and are able to move freely in an insulated building. The roof of the cowshed is also well-insulated which ensures that the construction is both kept cooler in summer and better heated in winter. Other improvements include natural ventilation (coming from the long sides and a roof ridge of the cowshed which can be opened). Circulation fans were also installed to further increase the air flow. Since the new cowsheds have been installed, the owners have noticed that the cows are feeling better and the signs of heat stress have decreased. In addition, the air quality is better and there are far fewer insects in the new cowshed which irritate the cows. The initiative received investment support from the Swedish Board of Agriculture and local investment programs.

Box 9. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) published its first National Adaptation Program (NAP) in 2013. Raising awareness of the need for climate change adaptation was among the main topics addressed in the NAP84. The NAP and the assessment of climate change risks are due to be renewed every five years85. The 2013 NAP includes an analytical economic annex which provides useful information related to the costs and benefits of the various impacts of climate change on the economic activity, as well as recommendations on adaptation paths to be followed86. An independent Adaptation Sub-Committee has been set up to provide independent advice on climate change adaptation and to assess and monitor implementation of the NAP87. The Sub-Committee consists of a Chair and five members who are experts in different fields including climate change, economics and science. It is jointly

82 https://www.lrf.se/om-lrf/in-english/climate-change/83 http://www.klimatanpassning.se/en84 Other broad topics include increasing resilience to current climate extremes, taking timely action for long-lead time measures, and addressing major evidence gaps.85 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-climate-change-adaptation/2010-to-2015-government-policy-climate-change-adaptation86https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209867/pb13942a-nap-annex-economics.pdf87 https://www.theccc.org.uk/about/structure-and-governance/asc-members/

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sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government.One of the main priorities for the UK is the good management of soils and the Government has committed to ensuring all soils are managed sustainably by 2030. Several publications and booklets for farmers have been developed and widely disseminated, providing useful information and showcasing simple steps to follow for improving the health and production of the soil88. Well-documented case studies offer additional practical information and guidance to farmers on how to sustainably manage a wide range of soils and farms 89. Additionally, demonstration farms and innovation centers dedicated to farmers and interested stakeholders have been set up across England, Wales and Scotland within a Demonstration Network90. The Government has also expressed support for the development of agricultural science and technologies, including sustainable innovations and has launched the Agri-Tech Strategy in 2013. This is a long-term strategy; to which it has already committed £160 million 91,92. An online Agri-Tech Strategy blog provides updates on the strategy’s progress and its on-going development93. Three new centers for Agricultural Innovation have been established since 2015, cumulating a £68 million investment from the UK Government: The Centre for Crop Health and Protection (CHAP); the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL); and the Centre for Agricultural Innovation. These centers aim to revolutionize farming practices in the future94. The first Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Agrimetrics, was set up in 2015 and provides expertise and information ‘in data science, smart analytics, bioinformatics, translational research and knowledge exchange in crops, livestock and food, and sustainability’95. Three additional centers for innovation are expected to be set up in the UK soon and to form part of what is called a ‘family of centers’ which will collaborate on different projects.With regards to the aquaculture and fisheries sector, the UK works closely with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)96, a scientific research and advisory center for fisheries management, environmental protection and aquaculture science. The Centre developed the Fishing Info National Science Anglers Catch Log (FINS), an online and smartphone application developed for anglers to log georeferenced details of the fish they catch directly from the lake-side, river bank, boat or shore. This application is intended to be used as a ‘reporting platform’ for collecting real-time data and mapping the distribution and health of wild fish populations throughout the freshwater and aquatic environments97, providing useful indicators for future impacts of climate change events. The Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) is a UK wide partnership between scientists, government, its agencies and nongovernmental organizations98. It provides high-quality marine climate change impacts evidence and advice to policy advisors and decision-

88 See http://www.leafuk.org/eblock/services/resources.ashx/000/595/601/LEAF-Simply_Sustainable_Soils_2016.pdf89 http://www.leafuk.org/leaf/farmers/simplysustainablesoils/casestudies.eb90 http://www.leafuk.org/leaf/farmers/demofarm.eb91https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/6.736_CCC_ASC_Adaptation-Progress-Report_2015_final_web_070715_rfs.pdf 92 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/agricultural-technologies-agri-tech-strategy93 https://agritech.blog.gov.uk/about94 https://agritech.blog.gov.uk/2016/02/11/centres-for-agricultural-innovation-launching-in-2016/95 http://www.agrimetrics.co.uk/about/96 https://www.cefas.co.uk/about-us/97 https://www.cefas.co.uk/media/53188/cefas-in-a-box-at-v33.pdf98 www.mccip.org.uk

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makers and thus contributes to building the knowledge base and consolidate evidence of marine climate change impacts. In 2012, MCCIP launched the Climate Smart Working knowledge-sharing program, a repository of international adaptation measures, best practices and case studies, to help promote appropriate responses for marine and coastal climate change impacts99. Catchment Sensitive Farming. This is an initiative by the UK Government aimed at enabling farmers and land managers to take bespoke actions in diffusing water pollution from agriculture. It raises awareness by giving free training and advice to farmers in selected areas in England. Topics addressed in the training include manure management, nutrient management, soil condition, pesticide management and farm infrastructure. The aim of the advice is to improve the environmental performance of farms. The initiative is run by Natural England in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. A network of catchment sites, called ‘Demonstration Test Catchments’, has been established100. The 2013 UK National Adaptation Program (NAP) reported that catchment sensitive farming techniques have been successfully used to reduce soil erosion and improve water efficiency101.Cefas data hub. The Cefas provides data access and ‘open science’ through its online portal ‘Data Hub’. This is aimed at ‘allowing the public and UK businesses to explore, download and reuse the data for their own research.’ Most of the data covers information and records collected since 1980s until present day. Datasets cover various topics including, among others, fish stomach records; food safety; registry of aquatic pathology; water temperature and salinity; and WaveNet (which provides real-time data for risk of flooding).102

Box 10. Austria

The 2012 Austrian National Adaptation Strategy provides examples of good practices in various areas where climate change adaptation action is envisaged103.Practice-oriented tools for humus balancing. Research conducted by StartClim found that even though Austrian farmers were aware of the value of soil humus and the need for humus balancing to ensure crop rotation and effective management of humus content of the soil, the humus balancing method used did not take sufficient account of regional crop rotation and yield conditions or certain management measures, such as cover crops. As a result, a dedicated project entitled ‘Humus Balancing as a practice-tool for farmers supporting CO2-stroring agriculture’, conducted by Bio Forschung Austria (BFA) 104, was developed, with the main purpose “to develop a humus-balancing method that would be easy to use and that would accurately reflect humus development in agricultural areas of the Weinviertel region”. to develop a method which improves the existing humus balancing method, is easy to use as well as accurately takes into account various factors (including regional crop rotations, yield rations, greening, etc.). After comparing various humus balancing methods and taking into account the existing data and the time and financial expenditure, the Kolbe method was chosen. Viniculture adaptation measures. The region Krems-Trainsental has been used as a case

99 http://www.mccip.org.uk/adaptation/100 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/catchment-sensitive-farming-reduce-agricultural-water-pollution101 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adapting-to-climate-change-national-adaptation-programme102 https://www.cefas.co.uk/cefas-data-hub/103http://www.mcrit.com/climagranollers/attachments/article/293/AustrianAdaptationStrategy_Context_FINAL_25092013_v02_online.pdf104 http://bioforschung.at/

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study to develop a best-practice model for viniculture adaptation to climate change which could be replicated in other wine producing regions105,106. As a result, a set of proposed measures for climate adaptation were developed: cultivation of specialized varieties; expansion of cultivated areas; establishment of a warning service for pests and diseases to facilitate the use of plant protection products ‘on demand’; monitoring of new diseases and pests and identification of tolerance levels; combination of protection against hail, sun and birds through the use of nets and optimization of green-cover management.Online platform for natural hazard detection107. The primary aim of the platform is to raise awareness of all citizens of various natural hazards and weather events (including flooding, hail, storms, lighting, earthquakes, etc.) in their region.Severe weather alerts by text or e-mail. Local and temporally precise forecasts and information about imminent weather events (such as storms, heavy rains, snow falls, ice, hail-storms or thunderstorms) are sent via text alert message and/or via e-mail. This system of early warning (up to two hours before the event occurs) contributes to preventing or reducing damage, saving lives and taking timely ‘safety precautions’. The weather alerts are determined by the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) through a computer program specifically designed for regional weather forecasting (INCA) in Austria. This is a free of charge service supported by ZAMG and other institutions including insurance companies and a local radio station.Climate change adaptation platforms and websites. Austria has developed a wide-range of online tools for disseminating information about climate change and adaptation, such as: (i) a specific website that reports on the ongoing political process for climate change adaptation at a national level108; (ii) a dedicated platform ‘Climate Change Adaptation in Austria’ that provides information on Austria-specific climate change and adaptation109; (iii) a handbook for provinces, regions and cities entitled “Methods and Tools for Adaptation to Climate Change that can be downloaded for free from the platform and is available in both English and German; (iv) a specific website containing information on climate change within the climate research department of the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics – the aim being to present information on climate change in a user-friendly, understandable form110.

Box 11. The Netherlands

The country’s highly recognized climate research programs and longstanding expertise in agriculture place it at the forefront of climate change adaptation policy development and debates. The Netherlands is also actively engaged at international level in promoting cooperation between countries and organizing knowledge-sharing events to identify optimal mitigation and adaptation solutions to offset the negative impacts of climate change. The Netherlands published its first National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) in 2007, followed by an updated adaptation strategy in 2016. The document sets out the country’s objectives and strategies for adapting to climate change effects111 in nine economic and social sectors, including agriculture. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment is the

105http://www.mcrit.com/climagranollers/attachments/article/293/AustrianAdaptationStrategy_Context_FINAL_25092013_v02_online.pdf106 http://alt.seri.at/en/projects/completed-projects/weinklim-viniculture-and-climate-change/107 http://www.hora.gv.at/108 https://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/umwelt/klimaschutz/klimapolitik_national/anpassungsstrategie109 http://www.klimawandelanpassung.at/ms/klimawandelanpassung/en/110 http://www.zamg.ac.at/cms/de/klima/informationsportal-klimawandel

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coordinating body for climate change related programs and policies. However, climate change adaptation measures are being developed and implemented by various ministries and local and regional public authorities, in close collaboration with private sector companies, scientific and research institutes, and various organizations. The Dutch Government is expected to present a more detailed Climate Adaptation Implementation Program in 2017, based on the content provided in the NAS. The Netherlands promotes and invests in systematic and state of the art scientific research programs for better understanding the consequences of climate change in agriculture and other sectors. The Knowledge for Climate program112 plays a significant role in increasing awareness of climate change impacts and the necessity to adapt to them, and brings together a wide range of stakeholders determined to take action. The Dutch Government relies on the use of infographics, interactive climate atlases and maps113, as well as animated and well-documented videos, in order to disseminate the available information on climate change in a user-friendly, accessible and easy-to-use manner to wide audiences. It also frequently produces and publishes research studies, reports and action plans and organizes thematic workshops, knowledge-sharing conferences, and best-practice seminars114.In addition to raising awareness on climate change impacts and encouraging various stakeholders to participate and act, there are various governmental projects and initiatives focused on innovative research in agriculture. For example, the Ministry of Economic Affairs recently commissioned a research on salt-tolerant crops and suitable irrigation techniques; this led to the development of a consortium of Dutch researchers which demonstrated that certain crops can tolerate salt water when the correct irrigation techniques are applied 115. A new Global Centre for Excellence on Climate Adaptation, led by the Netherlands, Japan and the United Nations Environment and supported by a wide range of countries and international organizations and financial institutions, will be launched by the end of 2017 in the Netherlands116. This new Centre will collect information and knowledge from different adaptation policies, programs and projects developed in various parts of the world to serve and “address the growing need for support among countries, institutions and businesses for dealing with climate change adaptation issues, such as natural disasters and economic disruptions”115.Salt-tolerant crops and saline cultivation. SaltFarm Texel117 is based in the Netherlands (on the Texel island) and specializes in salt tolerant crops and provides the knowledge of saline cultivation under field conditions, including crop salt tolerance, (real-time) monitoring of soil salinity and fertilization strategies. It has created an open-air laboratory and it has set up a large research facility under field conditions. Within this farm, potatoes cultivated in saline soil were successfully grown. To ensure that the best practice and knowledge of the salt tolerant seed potato is spread worldwide, a consortium was formed (Salt Farm Holland

111 See generally, National Adaptation Strategy (2016) http://ruimtelijkeadaptatie.nl/publish/pages/118852/2016_12_02_nas_netherlands.pdf The NAS looks at nine sectors: water and spatial management; nature; agriculture, horticulture and fisheries; health and welfare; recreation and tourism; infrastructure (road, rail, water and aviation); energy; IT and telecommunications; public safety and security.112 Knowledge for Climate Change Research programme http://www.knowledgeforclimate.nl/ This is a dedicated research programme in the field of climate change and adaptation.113 See, e.g., Story mapping and Climate Impact Atlas http://www.climateadaptationservices.com/en/products114 See, e.g., http://www.knowledgeforclimate.nl/agenda115https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2017/02/23/dutch-saline-agricultural-knowledge-brings-breakthrough-in-food-security116https://www.government.nl/topics/climate-change/news/2017/02/06/global-centre-of-excellence-on climate-adaptation-seeks-residence-in-the-netherlands 117 http://www.saltfarmtexel.com/salt-farm-texel

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Potato), which ensures quick action and practical solutions for potato cultivation in different salt affected areas.

Annex 4.Other Relevant EU CCA Legal Framework and Policies in the Agriculture and Fisheries SectorsThe 7th Environment Action Program (EAP)118 sets the common environment policy until 2020 and identifies three priority areas for which actions are needed across the EU: (i) to protect, conserve and enhance EU’s natural capital; (ii) to turn the EU into a resource-efficient, green, and competitive low-carbon economy; and (iii) to safeguard EU’s citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing. The priority thematic objective is linked to EU’s natural capital, which encompasses fertile soils and productive land and seas, as well as fresh water and clean.119 Among other things, it highlights that one way to achieve better integration and coherence between climate change and other environmental concerns is to avoid counter-productive policies concerning fisheries.

Habitats Directive120 is aimed at regulating the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and requires EU Member States to take adequate measures to maintain or restore certain habitats and species by providing their favorable conservation status within their natural distribution area.

EU’s 2020 Biodiversity Strategy121 aims to reverse the process of biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020. This EU strategy is built around six mutually supportive and inter-dependent targets which address the main drivers of biodiversity loss. The third target refers to increasing the contribution of agriculture and forestry to biodiversity, while the fourth target is about ensuring the sustainable use of fisheries resources, aiming to combat overfishing and ensuring a more sustainable ecosystem-based management of fisheries resources.

Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, aims to dedicate 35% of funds to climate-related research, including adaptation. The programme addresses knowledge gaps such as those identified in the EU Adaptation Strategy, including the development and testing of decision-making support tools, monitoring systems for adaptation, resilient infrastructures, and the integration of climate change adaptation in sectoral research. The 2016-2017 Work Programme focuses on “food security, sustainable

118 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32013D1386&from=EN119 Natural capital includes vital services such as pollination of plants, natural protection against flooding, and the regulation of climate.120 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora121 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/info/pubs/docs/brochures/2020%20Biod%20brochure%20final%20lowres.pdf

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agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bio-economy”122.

Marine Strategy Framework Directive was adopted on 17 June 2008 and aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU’s marine waters by 2020 and to protect the resource base upon which marine-related economic and social activities according to Directive 2008/56/EC.123

Water Framework Directive (WFD)124: The overall objective of this Directive is to achieve good ecological status of surface waters (rivers, lakes/dam lakes) by 2015. To achieve this objective, the Directive introduces a new, integrated approach to assessing the status of surface waters, which is based on the concept of water ecosystems.

Legislation Related to European Agricultural Fund for Rural DevelopmentRegulation (EU) No 1303/2013125 is the main document for programming, implementing and managing the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF). The Regulation defines eleven thematic objectives, including supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors; promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management; preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency. These objectives were taken into consideration for the preparation of the RDP 2014-2020. The regulation also includes a requirement to include and promote climate change mitigation and adaptation in Partnership Agreements and programs. Other specific provisions include Article 96(7) (a) Each operational program shall include a description of ‘(a) the specific actions to take into account environmental protection requirements, resource efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster resilience and risk prevention and management, in the selection of operations’. Article 101 (f) requires an analysis of the environmental impact, taking into account climate change adaptation and mitigation needs, and disaster resilience. Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013126 contains some provisions which concern climate and environment practices such as crop diversification; maintaining existing permanent grassland; soil and water quality, biodiversity, landscape preservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

122 https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2016_2017/main/h2020-wp1617-food_en.pdf123 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive).124 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.125 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006126 Regulation (EU) 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulation (EC) 637/2008 and Council Regulation (EC) 73/2009 (Direct Payments Regulation). The improvement of the general environmental performance of the holding, in particular as regards biodiversity, the improvement of soil and water quality, the preservation of landscape and meeting the climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives

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Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013127 requires, among other things, member states to establish a farm advisory service aimed at advising ‘beneficiaries on land management and farm management’ so that they can get a better understanding of their duties and obligations.Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 641/2014128 sets out the scope and general principles for the payment for farmers observing agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and environment. Regulation (EU) No1305/2013129 explains how the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) works and sets out how the EAFRD aims to develop the agricultural sector over the 2014-2020 period. This Regulation lays down general rules concerning the EU financing of rural development, and provides that climate change mitigation and adaptation may be included and promoted in the rural development programmes and thematic sub-programs.Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014130 provides for rules supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 in relation to, among other things, young farmers, farm development, agri-environment-climate, animal welfare, afforestation. It refers to the need for resilience to climate change in relation to afforestation of agricultural land including planting species which are ecologically adapted and/or resilient to climate change.Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 808/2014131 provides for rules supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 in relation to the presentation and amendment of RDPs, the implementation of measures for rural development as well as the process for monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

EU Legislation Related to FisheriesAn important regulation concerning financial instruments for the European Maritime and Fisheries is Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013132. This regulation provides common provision rules applicable to the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund. This regulation aims to improve the coordination and harmonization of the implementation of all

127 Regulation (EU) 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 352/78, (EC) 165/94, (EC) 2799/98, (EC) 814/2000, (EC) 1290/2005 and (EC) 485/2008 (Horizontal Regulation).128 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 641/2014 of 16 June 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy.129 Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005.130 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014 of 11 March 2014 supplementing Regulation (EU) of 11 March 2014 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and introducing transitional provisions.131 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 808/2014 of 17 July 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).132 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006.

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funds. Part Four of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 lays down the general rules applicable to the Funds and the EMFF on management, control, financial management, accounts and financial corrections.Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 set rules to manage fish and aquaculture resources. The scope of the Common Fishery Policy includes the conservation of marine biological resources and the management of fisheries targeting them. In addition, it includes, rules in relation to market measures and financial measures in support of its objectives, fresh water biological resources and aquaculture activities, as well as the processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.Regulation (EU) No 508/2014133 regulates and defines European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) priorities, measures, principle of management, reporting, budget implementation, control and etc. The scope of the EMFF include support for the CFP for the conservation of marine biological resources, for the management of fisheries and fleets exploiting those resources, for fresh water biological resources and aquaculture, as well as for the processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.

133 Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2328/2003, (EC) No 861/2006, (EC) No 1198/2006 and (EC) No 791/2007 and Regulation (EU) No 1255/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

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Annex 5.Other Relevant National CCA Legal Framework and Policies in the Agriculture and Fisheries SectorThe National Regional Development Strategy for the period 2012–2022, approved by the Council of Ministers in August 2012, and the Regional Development Plans for the period 2014–2020, approved in August 2013, recognize climate change as a major issue for all regions and define the protection and restoration of the environment as main strategic goals. Specific targets vary for each region: reduction of the sources of air pollution; improving the management and prevention of the risk of natural disasters; restoration of damaged territories and protection from erosion; protection and maintenance of the biodiversity in protected territories; development of the infrastructure for the protection of the environment and adaptation to climate change; stimulating the use of renewable energy; and investing in water-supply, drainage and treatment of waste water and the waste management system, etc.

The National Action Program for Sustainable Land Management and Combat against Desertification in Bulgaria (updated for the programming period 2014-2020) defines relevant actions for managing soils, water resources and other natural resources to improve soil conservation, limit soil erosion and improve their organic structure. The program contains a series of analyses for soil, water, crop and animal resources and highlights the main factors contributing to the land degradation. It offers several strategic directions, programs and measures for the protection and restoration of soil resources as well as measures for strengthening the institutional and technical capacity for sustainable land management and combat against desertification.

The National Priority Action Framework (NPAF) for Natura 2000 in Bulgaria134 is a strategic document developed as per the requirement of Art. 8 of the Habitats Directive. The document aims to improve the management of protected areas and to provide long-term protection of the favorable conservation status of species and habitats. The document also defines priorities for Natura 2000 at national and regional level, ensuring an efficient use of the available financial resources related to Natura 2000 and facilitating the integration of the above-mentioned needs into programs financed by EU financial instruments for the period 2014-2020. A National Information and Communication Strategy for the Natura 2000 Network for the period 2014-2023 was also developed to support the whole process of communication of Natura 2000.

The National Disaster Protection Program sets the objectives, priorities and tasks for disaster protection in the country for a period of 5 years. This is the main document in the sphere of prevention, containment and overcoming the consequences of disasters and accidents and outlines the guidelines for creating an efficient, funded and technologically provided for national disaster prevention and response system. The strategic objective of the National Program and the state policy for disaster protection is the prevention, containment and overcoming the consequences, the protection of the life and health of the people and the preservation of the cultural heritage. The document highlights the risk of floods, hail and droughts and their negative consequences on agriculture.

134 National Prioritized Action Framework (NPAF) for Natura 2000 Bulgaria for the EU Multiannual Financing Period 2014- 2020 (Final Version, April 2014).

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River Basins Management Plans (RBMPs) for 2016-2021 have been prepared in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive135 for each basin management districts in the country: The Danube Region, the Black Sea Region, the East Aegean Region and the West Aegean Region. The RBMPs are strategic documents that regulate water management in basin management districts and are developed alongside Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) for the same period to ensure coherence between the two strategic documents as elements of integrated river basins management.

Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) are prepared by the basin management districts, pursuant to Directive 2007/60/ЕС. The FRMPs incorporate measures for protection of the vulnerable regions against the likelihood of flooding and for reducing the consequences of flooding by restoring flood plains and wetlands.

The Program of measures for the restriction and prevention of nitrates contamination from agricultural sources in vulnerable areas is mandatory for all farmers within the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) where the water has been polluted by nitrates from agricultural sources through infiltration or drainage. RDP 2014-2020 will contribute to achieving the objectives of this program.

The Strategic Action Plan for the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation of the Black Sea provides a set of measures to apply for achieving and maintaining a “good status” of the marine environment by 2020. However, the issue of climate change and its impact on fish and aquaculture is not sufficiently addressed.

As part of the development phase of the National Strategy for Adaptation to the Impacts of Climate Change, the ‘Analysis and Assessment of Risks and Vulnerabilities of the Sectors in the Bulgarian Economy in View of Climate Change’ framework document was developed. The document details the relevant climate models and scenarios for Bulgaria and their projections by sector, including agriculture. Furthermore, with the financial and technical support of the World Bank, the ‘Financial management of disaster risk and insurance options for adaptation to climate change in Bulgaria’ document was developed, with the main goal to analyze the importance of the insurance business in the risk prevention of climate change hazards and to provide recommendations for adaption measures.

Legal ActsClimate Change Mitigation Act, promulgated in 2014, last amended 2015 outlines the overall policy to be followed in order to mitigate climate change. The Act also aims to ensure that there are long-term plans in place for climate change adaptation. The implementation of these measures is intended to ensure the mitigation of climate change and its impacts, and to guarantee the fulfilment of Bulgaria’s international obligations within the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, as well as the EU legal framework. The Act integrates the already existing climate change mitigation related articles of the Environmental Protection Act.

There are several ordinances that are part of the Bulgarian legal framework in the agriculture sector. The ordinances provide for measures aimed at protecting the environment, improving the cultivation of the crops and life of the animals. There are also ordinances that correspond 135 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy.

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to the EU regulations for direct payments and implementation of the measures within the RDP 2014-2020. These ordinances include:

The Ordinance of 3.12.2015 of the MAFF: it deals with the terms and conditions for the implementation of direct payment schemes (green direct payments); scheme for young farmers; scheme for small farmers; schemes coupled support; cotton payments, transitional national aid.

Ordinance № 5 of 27.02.2009 of the MAFF on the conditions and procedures for submission of applications by schemes and measures for direct payments (amended 26.05.2015);

Ordinance № 6 of 24.02.2015 of the MAFF on the application of Measure 13 "Payments to areas with natural or other specific constraints" of the NRDP 2014–2020;

Ordinance № 9 of 03.21.2015 of the MAFF on the application of sub-measure 4.1 "Investments in agricultural holdings" of the measure 4 "Investments in tangible assets" from the NRDP 2014–2020;

Ordinance № 4 of 24.02.2015 of the MAFF on the application of measure 11 "Organic Farming" NRDP 2014–2020

Ordinance № 5 of 24.02.2015 of the MAFF on the application of measure 12 "Payments Natura 2000 and the Water Framework Directive" of the NRDP 2014–2020.

Ordinance № 2 of 04.04.2014 on the MAFF on the application of measure " Restructuring and Conversion of Vineyards "and Restructuring and Conversion Plan from the National Program for Support of the Viticulture Sector (2014-2018).

Scope of the Law GapsDirection for

change/recommendations

Soils act

This law was enacted in 2007 and its latest amendment is of July 18, 2017. This law regulates the preservation, restoration and improvement of the fertility of the agricultural lands and determines the conditions and order of changing their designation. It is aimed at soil protection, maintenance and restoration of soil functions. The law details the duties of the institutions (Ministry of Environment and Water, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Regional Development, MAFF) in relation to administrative measures for conservation, sustainable use of the soil, monitoring and control soil quality.

There are no provisions related to climate change impacts on soils and/or the need for climate change adaptation.

Introduce specific provisions for the distribution of information on soil status (on a national level)Include a requirement for the MAFF to systemize data and information; set up of a database; enhance the role of the Ministry in relation to monitoring.

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Preservation of the agricultural lands act

This law was enacted in 1996 and its latest amendment is of July 18, 2017. It regulates the protection, restoration and improvement of the fertility of the agricultural lands. It sets out specific provisions related to farmers’ obligations to protect the land (Article 3). Article 4 outlines the information provided by MAFF to farmers136 and requirement to set up information system for soil resources.

There are no provisions related to the climate change impacts on agricultural lands and/or the need for climate change adaptation.

Introduce requirements to take adaptation measures preserve the agricultural land

Protection of plants act

The law was enacted in 2014 and its latest amendment is of July 18, 2017. It regulates the protection of plants from pests; it also deals with monitoring, diagnostics, prognosis, control; requirements for fertilizers, soil improvers, biologically active substances and food substrates, and control of the production, placing it on the market. The law regulates the scope of duties of the administrative unit of the Bulgarian Agency for Food Protection.

There are no provisions related to the climate change impacts on plants and/or the need for climate change adaptation.

Some supplements for prevention of damages on plants from climate change could be introduced.

Protection of animals act

The law was enacted in 2008 and its latest amendment is of July 18, 2017. This law governs the protection of animals and more specifically the protection of their well-being in accordance with their physiological and behavioral characteristics.

There are no provisions related to the climate change impacts on animals/livestock and/or the need for climate change adaptation.

Addition of some provisions related to vulnerabilities of the animals to climate change.

Seed and Planting Material act

The law was enacted in 2003 and its latest amendment is of July 18, 2017. This law regulates the variety examination and the maintenance of the official varieties list of the Republic of Bulgaria. More specifically, it governs the maintenance of the varieties, the production and the preparation for the purpose of trade, the preservation, the packaging, the labelling, the trade, the import, the export and the control of the seed and

There are no provisions related to the climate change impacts and/or the need for climate change adaptation.

Consider including specific regulations or other administrative measures related to climate change impacts or any relevant adaptation actions.

136 The information is for: technological, environmental and economic qualities of farmland, as well as the potential risks of deterioration due to erosion, pollution, salinization; the protection of the soil, the mandatory restrictions on the use of agricultural land; pesticides, fertilizers, industrial or household waste, the irrigation water quality, anti-erosion crop rotation; soil treatment.

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propagating material from agricultural plants. The law sets up the responsibilities of the MAFF in relation to variety maintenance, production, trade, import and export of seed (Article 2). The Law also outlines the function of the Executive Agency for Variety Testing, Approbation and Seed Inspection (Article 4), which carries out a variety test for the recognition and registration of the varieties of agricultural plants in the official varieties list; keeps a register of the applied for testing and the recognized varieties of agricultural plants; certifies the seeds basis on field inspections and laboratory analyzes; controls the sowing and produced planting material and export and import the varieties and planting materials, control the activity of the approved laboratories with regard to their laboratory analyzes to determine the seed qualities.

Protection of new variety of plants and new animal breeds act

The law was enacted in 1996 and its latest amendment is of July 18, 2017. This Law regulates the creation, protection and use of new varieties of plants and animal breeds, including hybrids (Article 1). The state institution responsible for protection and development of new varieties of plants and animal breeds are MAFF and its Executive Agency for Variety Testing, Approbation and Seed Inspection, State Animal Breed Commission and Patent Office (Article 2). The law contains provisions for intellectual property for new varieties of plants and stock breeds, conditions for legal protection, conditions for certifying new varieties of plants and animal breeds, the rights of the owners, procedures for submission the certificates for the new varieties as well as the required documents.

There are no provisions related to the climate change impacts and/or the need for climate change adaptation.

The law may be updated to include regulations or other administrative measures concerning development of new varieties of plants and animal breeds in a sustainable manner and which are more resilient to climate change.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Act (FAA), promulgated in 2001, last amended on August 4, 2017. This Act regulates the relations connected with the ownership, organization, management, use and conservation of fish resources in the waters of the Republic of Bulgaria, the trade of fish and other aquatic organisms. The purposes of this Act are to ensure: sustainable development of fish resources; restoration and conservation of the biologic equilibrium and enrichment of the diversity of fish resources in the water ecosystems; development of commercial fishing and angling and aquaculture; implementation of the rules for responsible fishing and increase of the consumption of fish and fish products in the country. It is the main law in the fishery and aquaculture sector.

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However, the Act does not include specific provisions or measures for the adaptation of aquatic ecosystems to the climate change and breeding fish and aquaculture in a sustainable manner. This could be improved by introducing administrative measures aimed at encouraging sustainable development of fish species and aquaculture, which are adaptable to climate change.

Biological Diversity Act, promulgated in 2002, last amended on September 19, 2017. This Act regulates the relations among the State, the municipalities, and the juristic and natural persons in respect of the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the Republic of Bulgaria. The Bulgarian national legislation related to the ecological policy and biodiversity in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors is relatively strong. However, it is primarily aimed at protecting the species and their habitats, and their biophysical status. The vulnerabilities of the vegetation and animal species in water are not clearly defined. Climate change impacts, on the other hand, are defined but through the prism of sustainability of the ecosystems and measures for their protection. The division of responsibilities for environmental monitoring and protection of the environment between different ministries and intra-ministerial organizations is broadly defined and difficult to understand. This could be improved by adding annexes dealing specifically with preventing damages from climate change on aquatic ecosystems.

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Annex 6.Other Relevant National Agencies and Research InstitutesBulgarian Agency for Food Safety is the national competent authority to ensure compliance with the requirements for stock-breeding holdings in carrying out cultivation activities concerning health and animal welfare, fodder, safety and quality of food, as well as the application of hygiene and sanitary package of measures in processing establishments.

The Executive Agency on Vine and Wine (EAVW) is the state body engaged with operational management and control of the sector. The Agency is a management body of the National Program for Support of the Viticulture and Wine Sector of Bulgaria for the 2014-2018.

The Agency for Hail Suppression consists of 8 regional directorates with 9 command and rocket sites. The main function of the Agency is to protect agricultural areas from hails and to determine how to decrease the damages on the crops.

The Executive Agency of Variety Testing Field Inspection and Seed Control is an administrative unit of the MAFF and manages the procedures for the testing, recognition and registration of plant varieties and breeds / hybrids / silkworm in the official varieties list of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Research InstitutesInstitute of Fisheries and Aquaculture to Agricultural Academy of Bulgaria (IFA). This is the leading research body in Bulgaria in relation to the industry. The Institute was established more than 60 years ago, and throughout its whole history has performed research, application and service activities in the field of fish farming in the country. Aquaculture development in Bulgaria is related to the work of scientists from the institute, which underlie the development and deployment of various technologies, introduction of new species, and development of a wide range of applications related to cultivation, raising, prevention and treatment of diseases.

Institute of Oceanology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Section "Biology and Ecology of the Sea". The Institute studies the taxonomic and functional biodiversity of the Black Sea ecosystem and trophic interactions, examines changes in biota due to external factors – the anthropogenic pressure and global climate changes, develops methodological guidelines for monitoring and laboratory analysis of the Black Sea flora and fauna and classification systems for the biological quality elements in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive 2000/ES/60 in Bulgaria, performs evaluations of the ecological status of waters and stocks intensively exploited fish species along the Bulgarian coast and adjacent water areas, develops science-based criteria for the sustainable development of ecosystems and biological resources with a modern laboratory for molecular taxonomy and ecology of marine organisms that performs genetic analysis for studying the population genetic structure of marine aquatic organisms.

Institute of Fishery Resources (IFR) at the Agricultural Academy of Bulgaria is a state research Institute, founded in 1932. Since the early 1950s, the IFR is the only Institute that performs regular tests in the Bulgarian territorial waters.

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Department "Biology and Aquaculture" at the Faculty of Agriculture of the Trakiya University: the Aquaculture division of the Department is working in the following directions: development of intensive cultivation technologies for aquatic organisms, analysis of the financial management of fish-farms, environmental assessment of the aqua-farms, market information and reduction of price risk in the aqua-production, economic analyses of the fish-farms; environmental assessment of the fish-farms and organic aquaculture.

Department "Animal Science" at the Agrarian University – Plovdiv: The Department offers bachelor and master’s degrees for zoo engineers who are trained in the disciplines “Fishery” and "Technology for the production of quality and safe food in aquaculture." The major “Agro-forestry Systems and Mountain Farming” students also learn the discipline "Fisheries".

Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, BAS, conducts significant research in the field of theoretical and applied aspects of ecology, biodiversity, environmental protection and sustainable use of biological resources.

National Reference Laboratory for diseases on fishes, marine mollusks and crustaceans (NRL) to the National Diagnostic Research Veterinary-Medical Institute is a specialized structure within the Bulgarian Agency for Food Safety. It carries out research, laboratory diagnostics and reference expert activity in the field of health aquaculture.

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Annex 7.RDP Choice of Measures by Priority and Focus AreasThe following chart shows which priorities and focus areas are selected in the RDP and the combination of measures used to address them. For each measure the budget breakdown per focus area is given.

Source: The European Network for Rural Development, 2014-2020 RDP Key Facts and Figures for Bulgaria, Version 1, September 2015

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Annex 8. Indicative General IndicatorsA few groups of general indicators are presented in the table below. The indicators are indicative and do not include specific indicators for soil matter, GHG emission and other specific bio-physical variables, water availability, humidity and precipitation climatic variables. Next steps should include defining the indicators in a more specific manner.

Indicator Focus area Indicators Source information

Information and public awareness

OUTPUT INDICATOR

Number of seminars, workshop MAFF (information platform)

Number of officials trained on climate change issues (negative/positive impacts, adaptation/mitigation)

MAFF

Number of research and scientific studies on climate change impacts

MAFF, Agrarian Academy

Capacity building

Number of farmers benefit of training MAFF

Number of unit in climate change policy MAFF

Number of farmers benefit of advisory service

MAFF

Number of officials trained MAFF

Investment in research and scientific studies

MAFF

Institutional capacity development

Number of strategies MAFF

Number of updated legal acts, regulations, ordinances, etc.

MAFF

Proportion of budget allocated to climate change adaptation

MAFF

Number of units engaged with agriculture

MAFF

Number of new elaborated and certified crops

MAFF

Adaption options at farm level

Number of soil and water conservation work

Area of farmland that adopted CCA technologies

Number of farmers with insurance for extreme climate events

MAFF, insurance companies

Changes in land use (per ha) MAFF

Increase in soil organic matter (%) MAFF

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Number of irrigation systems in farms MAFF

Increased water retention (%) MEW, MAFF

Soil carbon level increase (%) MAFF

Increase the number of employees in agriculture

NSI, Eurostat

Increase of crop yield (%) NSI, Eurostat

Increase of crop output (%) NSI, Eurostat

Agricultural household Impact

IMPACT INDICATOR

Increase of poverty and depopulation in rural areas (%)

MAFF, monitoring data and

Cost saving of adaptation measures (%) MAFF, monitoring data

Increase in income (%) NSI, Eurostat

Raised drought preventions in farms

Increase in crop insurance (%) MAFF

Agriculture productivity increased (%) MAF, NSI Eurostat

Improved irrigation systems MAFF

Number of farm holdings affected by floods and prone to risk

MAFF

Amount the capital spending in flood and drought risks

MAFF

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